Sanchez update

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
ST. PETERSBURG – The Pittsburgh Pirates can breathe now.

Freddy Sanchez is OK.

Orthopedist Dr. James Andrews found no structural damage in the second baseman’s surgically-repaired right shoulder during Monday’s examination, putting Sanchez on track to be ready for Opening Day.
Sanchez, who underwent an operation in September, had trouble throwing in a game last week in Sarasota because of inflammation in his rotator cuff . Andrews examined Sanchez, as well as an MRI the Pirates took last week, and said everything looked fine, Pirate general manager Neil Huntington said prior to Monday’s game at Al Lang Field.

“(Andrews) feels that Freddy will be good to go for Opening Day,” Andrews said. “Structurally, his shoulder is sound.”
Sanchez, who is hitting .364 this spring, will take at-bats Tuesday at Pirate City, Huntington said.

“We’ll make a determination Wednesday, based on how Freddy feels, what he wants to do,” Huntington said. “But as of right now, Opening Day is on target.
“The good part, unlike last year, is he’s been completely active everywhere except throwing. So he feels pretty strong, like he’s ready to go.”