Sanchez says hitting his first grand slam against Marlins is extra sweet

TORONTO — For Jesus Sanchez, the wait was worth it.

The Toronto Blue Jays newcomer never thought smacking his first grand slam would happen in his seventh Major League Baseball season, but because he accomplished the feat against his former team, the Miami Marlins, the moment was extra sweet.

“To be honest, I didn’t think it would take this long,” the 28-year-old Dominican Republic outfielder said. “I know this is a business, but they (Marlins) let me go.”

The left-handed hitting former Marlin turned on a 98.6 miles per hour fastball from his former teammate, starter Sandy Alcantara (3-4), smacking a line drive 394 feet down the right-field line to punctuate a productive six-run sixth inning in the Blue Jays’ 8-1 win.

Sanchez was looking fastball all the way. He also belted a double in the third inning off an Alcantara fastball. This approach has Sanchez on a solid run lately. In his last 16 outings, Sanchez has hit 18-for-44 (. 409) with six doubles, two homers, and 12 RBIs.

Sanchez was in such a good mood that he let Alcantara off the hook for plunking four Blue Jays. The mild-mannered righty hit George Springer and Sanchez in the fifth, Lenyn Sosa and Kazuma Okamoto in the sixth. Okamoto was hit right after Sanchez’s big blow.

“Knowing Sandy, he’s not that type of pitcher,” Sanchez said.

The Toronto players certainly weren’t angered by any of the hit batters. Blue Jays manager John Schneider also appeared OK in his post-game remarks.

“They were all breaking balls,” Schneider said. “I have a lot of respect for him. That guy is a Cy Young Award winner (in 2022).”

MILES OUT OF SPENCER

Plucking pitcher Spencer Miles (2-0) from the Rule 5 draft last December continues to pay dividends for the Blue Jays.

The Rule 5 draft is held to prevent teams from stockpiling talented prospects in the minors.

Teams without a full 40-man roster can select eligible, unprotected minor leaguers from other franchises. After Braydon Fisher opened and pitched a strong first inning, Miles went the next 4 1/3 innings and allowed only a run on three hits in a 66-pitch effort.

“He gave us more of the same,” Schneider said. “He mixes his pitches really well. Sinker is a good pitch for him to get some outs, curveballs are getting some swing and miss. I think he’s mixing his stuff really well, and he’s understanding what we’re asking of him.

“He’s having a good little run right now, and I think he’s trusting his stuff more and more every time he goes out there, but pretty reliable right now.”

VLADDY SITS

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sat out a second straight game with a sore elbow after getting hit last Sunday. He took some swings before and during the game in the facility underneath the stands.

Schneider almost had to put him after Sosa was stung by a pitch in the sixth. But Sosa recovered in time to allow Guerrero further healing time.

“Hopefully, overnight, he gets in good form, and he can be back in there tomorrow,” Schneider said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2026.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press