Aaron Sanchez has always been a highly talented pitcher, and we saw that talent turn into results in 2016 with the Toronto Blue Jays: 3.00 ERA, 5.1 WAR in 192 innings. But since, the results have been bad (with rough command and walk rates the main reason). He took a 6.07 ERA into his Astros debut on Saturday night, and had an 0-13 record with a 7.49 ERA over his past 17 starts.
Well, all Sanchez did was throw six no-hit innings against the Seattle Mariners, because of course- the Astros are consistently able to get more out of pitchers, particularly ones that we know have plenty of upside (like we’ve seen with Gerrit Cole).
Now that's a debut. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bAWRhupyJM
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2019
Aaron Sanchez is in line for the win in his Astros debut
6.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 SO, 2 BB 🔥🔥
That'll do pic.twitter.com/AIkNcIrjHr
— Pam Tatroff (@PamTatroff) August 4, 2019
Aaron Sanchez, Filthy 85mph Changeup. 😷
Apparently, Strom just has to look at a pitcher and they become unhittable. pic.twitter.com/O3zNueCcfb
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 4, 2019
Sanchez was pulled after six innings because of his pitch count (92), but relievers Will Harris, Joe Biagini, and Chris Devenski were able to each throw a no-hit inning themselves to complete the no-hitter.
History in Houston.
(MLB x @YouTubeTV) pic.twitter.com/fzBPpIKWcz
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2019
Biagini was also a part of the trade that sent Sanchez from Toronto to Houston.
When did you start thinking "no-hitter?"
Aaron Sanchez: "Not really ever."
Joe Biagini, interrupting: "Yesterday."
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 4, 2019
Oh, and the guy who went to the Blue Jays in the trade? That would be outfielder Derek Fisher, and he left Saturday night’s Blue Jays-Orioles game after getting hit in the face by a routine flyball.