Sanchez gets callup with Johnson ailing

HOUSTON -- For the second time this season, the Marlins have promoted infielder Gaby Sanchez from Triple-A New Orleans.

Adding Sanchez gives the club some depth now that first baseman Nick Johnson is nursing a strained right hamstring.

The Marlins recalled Sanchez on Tuesday and sent down right-hander Rick VandenHurk, which means the team once again has 13 position players and 12 pitchers. In recent weeks, the club had been going with 13 pitchers, making for a short bench.

The team hopes to avoid placing Johnson on the disabled list, and Sanchez gives an option to play first base or third.

"You really couldn't play any shorter than we have been," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "So we made the decision with VandenHurk. He isn't going to go [pitch] for five or six days. Bring Gaby up. He can play some first base and third base. And we stay away from Nicky."

Florida opened a three-game series with the Astros on Tuesday night.

While Sanchez is now with the big league team, how long he stays remains to be seen. The wear and tear of the season has led to uncertainty regarding the roster.

Gaby Sanchez, meanwhile, is ready to do whatever the Marlins need.

With the team in the playoff hunt, he is excited to be back.

"I was keeping up with them when I was down there," said Sanchez, who spent July 22-31 with the Marlins. "They're definitely doing some great things. They're playing really good baseball right now, and hopefully it continues."

Sanchez joined the team on Tuesday morning. But he had a hint in Monday's game with New Orleans that he could be headed back to the big leagues. He was removed in the bottom of the second inning and was informed that being promoted was a possibility.

The Zephyrs had an early afternoon game on Monday, and Sanchez actually received the call that he was headed to Houston while he was watching the New Orleans Saints football practice. A few players from the Zephyrs invited guests to watch.

"I got a call when I was there saying, you are being called up tomorrow," Sanchez said. "I'm trying to do anything I can to help them continue the way they're playing, and continue the winning. Whatever I can do to help the team, I'm all for."



(flamarlins.com)