You never want to blow spring training performances too far out of proportion, but when they look this good, it’s tempting. Cristopher Sánchez threw three innings against the Pirates on Friday, and they were tantalizing. He struck out four while conceding two hits (each of them under 83 mph off the bat) and one run, which scored after Sánchez gave way to Tyler Phillips.
Sánchez’s sinker averaged 97.0 mph, up 2.5 mph from last year. He threw 18 changeups and got an astonishing six whiffs on seven swings against the pitch. He’s throwing his cutter. And have you heard?