Sanchez may be ready for opener

Mar 28, 2008 - 9:54 PM BRADENTON, Florida (Ticker) -- Freddy Sanchez played five innings in a minor league game Friday for the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the second straight day that the All-Star second baseman has played in the field.

Sanchez, recovering from irritation in his right rotator cuff, fielded four ground balls and threw out four Louisville runners. None of Sanchez's throws had to be made at full effort.

How Sanchez feels after his workout Saturday likely will go a long way in determining whether he will be able to take the field with the Pirates on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves.

Regardless, it seems all but set that Sanchez will be on the Opening Day roster.

Sanchez is able to hit pain-free and can be used as a pinch-hitter if he is not ready to play in the field when the season starts. In Friday's game, he batted in each of the first five innings, going 2-for-5 with two doubles.

Sanchez batted .304 with 11 home runs and 81 RBI last season.