Sanchez wins arbitration ruling

MIAMI — Chalk up an early victory for Anibal Sanchez.

On Monday, an arbitration panel ruled in favor of the Marlins’ right-hander, who will make $8 million this season.

After posting career highs for innings (196 1/3) pitched and strikeouts (202), Sanchez was in line for a pay raise.

Sanchez was $1.1 million apart with the Marlins during negotiations, so both sides went through an arbitration hearing last Friday morning in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Sanchez, who turns 28 on Feb. 17, asked for $8 million, compared to the Marlins’ counter-offer of $6.9 million.

In 2011, Sanchez made $3.7 million.

The Marlins have not had serious talks with Sanchez regarding a multiyear contract. So it is likely that the right-hander will become a free agent in 2013.

– Joe Frisaro