As Ali Sánchez rounded the bases at Rate Field on Monday night, the New York Yankees catcher was transported back to his hometown of Carora, Venezuela. It was the moment he had envisioned many times: his first home run in Major League Baseball, achieved in his fifth season and 75th career game.
"Literally a kid running the bases from Venezuela and living the dream," Sánchez, 29, said after hitting a three-run blast in the Yankees’ 9-5 win against the Chicago White Sox. "You always dream to play in the big leagues and having your first homer with a Yankees uniform and getting the 'W' is special."
The journeyman, who debuted in 2020 with the Mets, delivered his long ball in a crucial situation. With two outs in the eighth inning and the Yankees holding a 6-4 lead, Sánchez worked a full count before connecting with an inside fastball from lefty Sean Newcomb, lifting it over the left field wall.
"He's contributed and works his tail off behind the plate, being able to learn the staff," said teammate Max Fried. "I was really happy for him. It's a long time coming, but really glad he was able to celebrate that. He deserves it."
The Yankees retrieved the ball for Sánchez, who took a picture with the fans who caught it and signed some baseballs for them. The ball was already in his locker, encased, and he plans to send it to his parents' home in Venezuela.
In limited action, Sánchez has shown effectiveness against left-handed pitching, batting .333 with an .876 OPS in 28 plate appearances against them. He and Austin Wells have formed a productive platoon in recent weeks.
"Really cool," manager Aaron Boone commented. "Everyone's journey is different and there's so many tremendous stories to tell about different guys and Ali's one of those."
In other Yankees news, there is still no clear timeline for Giancarlo Stanton's return from a second right calf strain sustained on April 24. Boone stated that Stanton is continuing his "running progression," which has not yet advanced to running the bases, the activity during which he originally got hurt in June.
Boone reported that Stanton's strength and explosive work in the weight room has been positive, but he needs to reach a sufficient level of running proficiency before returning. Boone indicated that no further MRIs are currently planned to clear him for base running.
Trent Grisham had a day off Monday, entering the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning. He is currently in a 2-for-36 slump, which Boone attributed to a lack of luck despite hitting the ball hard.
Pitcher Carlos Rodón is scheduled to face hitters for the first time on Wednesday in two simulated innings at Double-A Somerset, addressing left elbow inflammation. Clarke Schmidt, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to throw his third live session on Friday.
The Cubs designated Jameson Taillon for assignment on Monday, meaning the Yankees will not face their former teammate during their upcoming weekend series at Wrigley Field.