Anibal Sanchez likely out for rest of 2014 season

Well, this is awful.

Anibal Sanchez suffered a setback while throwing a bullpen session on Monday and "may not be able to return" in 2014 according to MLive's James Schmehl. Sanchez emerged from a meeting with manager Brad Ausmus, GM Dave Dombrowski, and head athletic trainer Kevin Rand moments ago and waived off reporters. While no official word has yet been given, it looks like Sanchez will be out for the rest of the season.

This is surprising news given the glowing reports Sanchez received over the weekend. The Tigers had not yet ruled out Sanchez starting on Saturday in a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox despite originally hinting at a four week timetable for his return. Sanchez has been on the disabled list since August 8th with a right pectoral strain.

Sanchez has once again been one of the Tigers' most reliable starters this season, posting a 3.46 ERA and 2.71 FIP in 125 innings. He spent three weeks on the disabled list with a blister on his middle finger earlier this season, and missed the last few weeks of spring training with shoulder discomfort. The abbreviated spring seemed to have an effect on Sanchez throughout the year, as he struggled to get through an opposing lineup for the third time during starts, something he did with relative ease last year when he posted an AL-best 2.57 ERA in 182 innings.

With Sanchez out for the season, the Tigers will need to find two more starters for this week's games. Kyle Lobstein is currently scheduled to pitch on Thursday afternoon at the New York Yankees, while one of the starters for Saturday's doubleheader is still to be determined.