Despite his aching shoulder, Sanchez expects to be in lineup

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Second baseman Freddy Sanchez is expected to begin the season Monday with the Pittsburgh Pirates despite a sore right shoulder that limited him to playing defense in only two major league exhibition games during spring training.

Sanchez played in a minor league camp game Friday and planned to do so again Saturday before flying with the team to Atlanta for Monday night’s opener. He also has the option of playing in another minor league game Sunday before rejoining the team.

“As we sit here, he should be ready to go Monday,” general manager Neal Huntington said.

Despite having trouble all month throwing the ball, the 2006 NL batting champion batted .364 with 10 RBIs in exhibition games, mostly as a designated hitter.

Sanchez has no trouble hitting or running, but has had pain when throwing the ball with velocity or from an awkward angle. However, Sanchez told Huntington he’s found an arm slot he is comfortable throwing from and doesn’t cause as much pain.

“We’re optimistic,” Huntington said.

Sanchez played five innings Friday in the minor league game, going 2-for-5 with two doubles while batting in each inning. He also handled several ground balls, although he wasn’t required to make difficult throws on any, and threw during a morning workout.

Sanchez plans to further test the shoulder today, making some harder throws. They might include trying to throw out a runner at first base on a ball hit far to his right or making a long relay throw.

Sanchez didn’t play in the Pirates’ spring training game Friday and won’t again today to protect the team in case he has a setback.