Sanchez to start Grapefruit opener

Manager Fredi Gonzalez announced that Anibal Sanchez will take the mound in the Marlins Grapefruit League opener on Wednesday against the Cardinals.

The Marlins are the visiting team in the 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Roger Dean Stadium.

Sanchez is expected to throw about two innings and/or 30 pitches.

“I’ve got the first game,” Sanchez said. “I’m ready for this game. I just want to make sure that I’m ready for the season. I want to throw strikes and make good gains. I don’t care if I pitch the first game, second or third game. I want to get ready for the season.”

On Monday, the Marlins will have an intrasquad game around 10:30 a.m. on the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium. Sean West and Eulogio De La Cruz are slated to start for each squad.

– Joe Frisaro