Blue Jays Player Eager to Face Marlins for One Reason
Jesús Sánchez delivered one of the biggest moments of his career Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, and the outfielder has now revealed that he enjoys facing his former team and performing well against them. The 28-year-old hit the first grand slam of his Major League career during Toronto's 8-1 win over Miami at Rogers Centre.
Sánchez turned on a 98.6 mph fastball from former teammate Sandy Alcantara and sent a 394-foot line drive down the right-field line to cap a six-run sixth inning for the Toronto Blue Jays. Alcantara struggled through a difficult outing against his former teammate and the Blue Jays lineup.
The Marlins right-hander allowed six runs over 5.1 innings while hitting four batters. Alcantara plunked George Springer and Sánchez in the fifth inning before hitting Lenyn Sosa and Kazuma Okamoto during the sixth.
The moment was especially meaningful for Sánchez because it came against the team that traded him before the season. Sánchez said he understands baseball is a business but admitted he always feels extra motivated whenever he faces his former team.
Jesus Sanchez says he likes facing the Marlins & doing well against them because they traded him.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 27, 2026
"I mean, I understand it's a business, but they let me go. Every time I play against them, I'm ready to compete. Adrenaline against the Marlins is always going to be there."
He added that he approaches those matchups with more intensity and energy because of how his time with the Marlins ended. The grand slam continued a strong stretch for Sánchez, who has started finding consistency at the plate after a slow opening to the season. Over his last 16 games, Sánchez has gone 18-for-44 with six doubles, two home runs, and 12 RBIs.
The recent surge raised his season numbers to a .285 batting average with a .786 OPS, six home runs, and 27 RBIs across 47 games. Toronto acquired Sánchez hoping his power would strengthen a lineup that needed more production from the left side.
Early in the season, Sánchez struggled to settle into his approach at the plate and often looked more focused on making contact than driving the baseball. That has changed in recent weeks, and Sánchez has looked far more aggressive against right-handed pitching.
The improved approach was on display during Tuesday's grand slam, which showcased the power Toronto hoped he would bring to the lineup. The Blue Jays also received contributions from several other hitters during the victory.
Ernie Clement and Yohendrick Pinango both added solo home runs as Toronto snapped a two-game losing streak and ended Miami's four-game winning streak. Clement continued his productive season by raising his batting average to .301 with six home runs and 24 RBIs.
Toronto improved to 26-29 with the victory while Miami dropped to 26-30. Despite getting hit by a pitch earlier in the game, Sánchez stayed locked in at the plate and delivered the biggest swing of the night shortly after Okamoto was plunked.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 1:34 PM.