Anibal Sanchez to start

For the first time since June 2, Anibal Sanchez will be making a big league start.

After the Marlins suffered a 4-1 loss to the Astros on Thursday night at Minute Maid Park, the team announced Sanchez will take the mound on Friday against the Braves at Turner Field.

Sanchez will be reinstated off the disabled list on Friday, and he will pitch in the series opener. Atlanta is going with Javier Vazquez.

Right-hander Cristhian Martinez, who threw 2 2/3 innings of perfect relief on Thursday, was optioned to Double-A Jacksonville.

Sanchez has been on the DL since June 3 with a right shoulder sprain.

For most of the season, Sanchez’s shoulder hasn’t been quite right. He has made seven big league starts, and he’s 1-4 with a 5.55 ERA.

On June 2 against the Brewers, he threw three innings before aggravating his shoulder. He walked off the mound that day clearly frustrated.

The same shoulder required surgery in June 2007.

Sanchez made two rehab assignment starts for Double-A Jacksonville. He last pitched on Monday, working 3 1/3 innings while throwing 45 pitches.

– Joe Frisaro