PHOENIX -- Both Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Vogelsong envisioned themselves standing on the chalk like during introductions on opening day. Neither one of them envisioned themselves on the disabled list.
But both are making progress to rejoining the active roster. Vogelsong threw 81 pitches in four innings for Triple-A Fresno in the Grizzlies' season opener at Tucson on Thursday night and said his offspeed stuff felt sharp. Sanchez played six innings at second base Thursday in a minor league camp game, and although he only got one ground ball, he said cortisone and rest have led to improvement in his surgically repaired right shoulder.
"The last two days have probably been the best I've had throwing wise," said Sanchez, who has only gotten three grounders in four games. "I'm doing the routine I normally do and it's still getting stronger. That's a good sign."
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Sanchez will take infield with the Giants on Saturday -- including double-play turns -- and take part in an extended spring game Monday. The plan is to join Fresno on a rehab start at some point next week.
Sanchez remained non-committal on when he would be fully ready to return. "But hopefully if I keep progressingthe way I am, I'll be out on a rehab assignment soon."
Position players on the DL can be on minor league rehab assignment for up to 20 days.
As for Vogelsong, he did find it eerie that he was the Grizzlies' opening day starter for the second year in a row. Not only that, but he pointed out that last season he made two starts for Fresno before his first two major league assignments came against the Pirates and the Mets.
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What's next for Vogelsong? Would you believe one more start for Fresno, then an April 15 start against the Pirates? Followed by a start against the Mets at Citi Field?
Vogelsong isn't ready to proclaim himself ready quite yet.
"I need one more," he said.