What has been a very travel filled week for New York Yankees' prospect Gary Sanchez became a whole lot longer yesterday. But tonight's performance should help him sleep easy this evening.
Sanchez, who made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2010 at the young age of 17, has been known as one of the most talented catching prospects since 2009 when he signed a $2.5 million deal with New York (AL).
Not worth the money? Just wait for the Major League production and look at the accolades on his reumé so far.
After two good seasons to begin his career, the now 22-year old took his game to another level resulting in him being a mid-season All-Star for the last four years (Charleston/2012, Tampa/2013, Trenton/2014 & 2015). In addition, Sanchez was named as the World team's starting catcher for the 2015 All-Star Futures Game in Cincinnati, which started his aforementioned busy week.
From Sunday's 1-for-2 performance in the Queen City, the future Yankees' backstop flew to Portland, Maine and participated not only in the Eastern League (Double-A) All-Star Game but the EL's Home Run Derby as well. After making his rounds to represent the Trenton Thunder, Sanchez traveled to Binghamton to continue his season with the Thunder. But to his surprise, he would only suit up two more times for Trenton (3-for-8 at the plate) as the catcher was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Friday night.
Unfortunately for him, Scranton was not playing at home when he received his call leading to another plane ride, this time to Louisville, Kentucky. Nevertheless, Sanchez was in the lineup batting cleanup for tonight's matchup. "Would he be jet-lagged?" No way, as on the second pitch (first AB) seen in Triple-A, the Yankees' seventh best prospect blasted a three-run home run into the left field grass of Louisville Slugger Field.
Although MLB.com's sixth highest catching prospect would single in his next plate appearance, he finished his Triple-A debut 2-for-4 due to a ground out in the fifth and a fly out in the eighth inning.
So for now, Gary Sanchez will continue on with the Railriders of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. But, if he sustains his great hitting and play behind the plate, the native of the Dominican Republic may be catching a flight to the Bronx real soon.