Aaron Sanchez threw 66 pitches for the Dunedin Blue Jays Tuesday, a significant step toward completing the rehabilitation of his troublesome right middle finger.

Sanchez pitched 3.2 innings against the Bradenton Marauders, allowing three earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out three. After pitching three clean innings, the right-hander allowed three fourth-inning runs and exited with two outs.

The Blue Jays expect Sanchez to make at least one more rehab start before re-joining the rotation. Sanchez’s next rehab start tentatively lines up for Sunday, the day after his 25th birthday. That start could take place with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, and if it goes well it’s possible he’ll return to face the Houston Astros in the Blue Jays’ final series before the all-star break.

The Jeff Blair Show Dunedin manager: Signs point in right direction for Sanchez's finger June 28 2017 Your browser does not support the audio element.



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A variety of blister and nail issues have led to three disabled list stints for Sanchez, who last pitched in a big-league game May 19 against Baltimore. Soon afterwards he resolved to take a more deliberate approach to ensure he returns at full strength.

If Sanchez returns, Joe Biagini could be pushed back to the bullpen, but after making his 10th big-league start Tuesday, Biagini stressed the importance of staying focused on his current role.

“Everybody’s rooting for (Sanchez) to stay healthy and keep that finger healthy and strong,” Biagini said. “I’m trying to just maintain the mindset of being confident, being aggressive, but also being thankful.”

Regardless of who the Blue Jays keep in the rotation, the return of Sanchez would inarguably strengthen their pitching staff as a whole.