New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez has gotten hot in the Dominican Winter League. After a three strikeout performance in his debut, Sanchez crushed two home runs in as many games this weekend for the Toros Del Este.
On Saturday, the 28-year-old roped a 3-0 fastball down the left-field line, just barely staying fair and clearing the fence by a mile.
Gary Sanchez just absolutely crushed a home run! pic.twitter.com/mEssfKUIzd
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 5, 2020
Sanchez also picked up a double on Saturday, beating a funky outfield shift for extra bases.
He’d continue his good luck on Sunday, lining an 0-2 fastball just past the third-baseman for a double.
STAY HOT GARY! ?
Sanchez ropes an 0-2 pitch down the third base line for a double in his first at bat of today's game pic.twitter.com/5ulx0n1xwj
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 6, 2020
In the eighth inning, the Kraken struck once again. Sanchez got a hold of a hanger, skying it to left-center field and way gone.
ANOTHER GARY SANCHEZ HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/SFmyh9FeOl
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 6, 2020
Through three games, Sanchez is 5-for-11 with two home runs, two doubles, and two walks.
After an abysmal stretch of play between 2018 and 2020, Sanchez went to the Dominican Winter League to return to his 2017 form. His power numbers still showed (62 HR in that stretch), but he failed to get on base consistently. His average was above .200 just once over the past three seasons, with his defense struggling at times.
Through three games in the Dominican Republic, Sanchez already looks much improved. He’s yet to catch, but he’s been productive at the plate. Sanchez looks a lot more relaxed, and he’s taking good pitches and not chasing.
Playing in the Bronx is a pressure-packed environment, but so far, things are looking up for Sanchez. If he can take this swing and this mindset back to New York in the spring, Sanchez is due to have a big 2021 season.