Right-hander Anibal Sanchez is struggling, but he won't be bumped from the rotation just yet.
Sanchez had the shortest outing of his career Monday when allowed five runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings in Philadelphia. He labored through 51 pitches -- two years and two days after he pitched a no-hitter. "That's not like me. I'm better than that," said Sanchez, who is 2-4 with a 6.46 ERA since returning July 31 from shoulder surgery.
He won his first start on July 6, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings in Colorado, but he has gone 1-4 in his other seven starts. In his previous start, he lasted three innings on Sept. 2, allowing six runs on eight hits against the Braves.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team thinks Sanchez physically is fine and not feeling any adverse affects from the surgery, which kept him out 14 months. Sanchez hit 93 mph on his fastball.
"I think it's just mental: Attack a little more than he has been," Gonzalez said.
Because of two off days in the Marlins' upcoming schedule, Sanchez will get an extra day of rest before each of his next two starts.
MARLINS 10, PHILLIES 8: 1B Mike Jacobs, 3B Jorge Cantu and CF Cody Ross all homered, but the Marlins needed seven relievers to hang on for a win. RHP Chris Volstad allowed one run on two infield hits but left after three innings because of a right leg contusion. He was struck by Carlos Ruiz's grounder in the third.
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