The New York Mets stole the show from the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in their first game since the NLDS back in October. The Mets pulled away with the 5-4 win despite the Phillies putting up four runs in the ninth inning.
The rematch on Tuesday featured left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, an early Cy Young hopeful, just tapping into the beginning of his powers as a top pitcher in the league. Coming off a dazzling 12-strikeout start, Sánchez had the opportunity to do damage against the Mets. Unfortunately, he fell short after exiting the game early.
Ominous injury forces Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez from bizarre start versus Mets
Sánchez was only able to get through two full innings of work. He allowed four hits, two runs, two walks and two strikeouts. He didn't allow the floodgates to open, but wasn't as sharp as usual. Two long innings pushed Sánchez to a sizable 58 pitches, 33 of which were for strikes. The two mound visits were also notable as he had to labor through each at-bat.
The Phillies announced that Sánchez is dealing with left forearm soreness, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
That soreness could explain the dip in velocity that showed throughout the two innings of work for Sánchez. His sinker touched 96.3 mph but averaged 94.7 mph, 1.2 mph down from his season average. Phillies fans will hope it's nothing serious, but with Ranger Suárez still building up on the injured list himself with back issues, it only adds to the frustration and desperation for answers for the Phillies' staff.
Sánchez has had a good start to his 2025 season after a surprising All-Star campaign last season. After his shortened outing against the Mets, he now sits at 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings of work.
The Phillies are in a predicament with their pitching staff, and they can't afford to hamper the staff more than they have already been. The bullpen already has its issues to work through, and that's with the rotation being, for the most part, intact.
Priority No. 1 is finding out what's wrong with Sánchez, hoping he's okay, but the initial news is ominous. He's a special pitcher and the Phillies need him to help them fight their way back atop the NL East.