The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez off waivers on Monday afternoon.
Toronto designated Sanchez for assignment on Sept. 11.
Arizona (79-71) is practically the lone team that could unseat San Diego (81-68) and claim the National League’s third wild-card slot. The Diamondbacks are 2 1/2 games behind the Padres with 12 games remaining and are the only NL team outside playoff position within five games of a wild-card spot
The Cubs and Phillies each have 83-67 records and lead Arizona by four games.
Sanchez, 28, has not recaptured the prowess he displayed during his time with the Miami Marlins (2020-25). He slammed a combined 32 home runs and drove in 116 runs in 274 games for Miami in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
He was dealt to Houston at the 2025 trade deadline, but slashed only .199/.269/.342 in 48 games.
The Blue Jays acquired the left-handed-hitting Sanchez this past February, sending outfielder Joey Loperfido to the Astros.
Sanchez slashed .260/.318/.416 in 99 games this season with Toronto. He had not homered and only drove in three runs over his last 20 games.
He owns a .242 career batting average with 81 home runs, 273 RBIs and 110 doubles in 679 career games.
Arizona designated veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment on Sunday and recalled rookie infielder Jose Fernandez. Sanchez will fill Gurriel’s spot on the 40-man roster.
After losing three of their last four games, the Diamondbacks open a three-game home series against Miami on Monday. They then host the Yankees for their final three home games of the season before traveling to Colorado and San Diego to conclude the regular season.
