Gaby Sanchez could be third-base option

MIAMI GARDENS — If the Marlins make a move this season at third base, Gaby Sanchez could be given the next opportunity.

With Emilio Bonifacio's defense eroding and his bat fading, and the possibility that Dan Uggla could be dealt, which would open up second base and allow Bonifacio to return to his natural position, Sanchez's experience at third base in the minors could be valuable.

Sanchez, the Miami native, played third base on Monday and Tuesday for Class AAA New Orleans. He has played five games at third this season (21 at first) and 112 in his minor-league career (255 at first).

"We're just looking at him at two positions," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We do that with a lot of guys in the minors."

Sanchez, 25, was given the best chance in the spring to win the starting first base job before being sent down in late March.

Bonifacio leads all major league third basemen with 11 errors and is hitting .247.

Uggla, and his $5.35 million contract, could be traded as early as next month.

Sanchez is hitting .337 with five home runs and 19 RBI for New Orleans. He has a .409 on-base percentage. He returned to the lineup June 6 after missing a month with a right knee injury.



(palmbeachpost.com)