After being tendered a contract by the Yankees on Wednesday, Gary Sanchez made his 2020 Dominican Winter League debut on Friday, playing for Toros Del Este.
Primer turno de la noche @ElGarySanchez pic.twitter.com/MkSnvI1eYc
— Toros Del Este (@TorosdelEste) December 4, 2020
The 28-year-old batted fourth and served as the designated hitter, going 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.
According to NJ.com, Sanchez worked the count against fellow Yankee Albert Abreu, then blooped a single into right for a single for his only hit. Abreu got Sanchez swinging in his first at-bat, as Sanchez also ended up striking out against Red Sox farmhand Robinson Leyer and 37-year-old former Major Leaguer Jairo Ascenio. Sanchez also flied out to left field against former Met Hansel Robles.
Sanchez is in his second year of arbitration eligibility and is under team control through the 2022 season, but is looking for a major comeback season in 2021. He slashed .147/.253/.365 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in 178 plate appearances last in 2020, while backup catcher Kyle Higashioka began serving as Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher midway through the season.
HIGHLIGHTS:
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 5, 2020
Gary Sanchez strikes out with the bases loaded
He's now 1-for-3 with an RBI single and two strikeouts tonight pic.twitter.com/E4Sb56UbbE
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 5, 2020
Gary Sanchez swung at the first pitch in his fourth at bat and flew out to right field pic.twitter.com/TjXESfMiQi
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 5, 2020
Gary Sanchez strikes out in three pitches in what's likely to be his last at bat in his first game of the winter season
He's 1-for-5 with three strikeouts, a fly out and what will go in the book as the game-winning RBI single if Toros del Este holds the 2-1 lead pic.twitter.com/2PPWBZK7nB
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 5, 2020
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].