Jonathan Sanchez went three innings without allowing a run or even walking a batter Friday against the Astros.

That's something. Sanchez has been effective in just two of his five appearances this spring, so he shouldn't be in the running for a spot on the Pirates. He'd be a nice guy to have stashed away in Triple-A, but he said earlier today that he wasn't interested in that possibility.

Jonathan Sanchez indicated Friday that he would exercise his opt-out clause if he's not in the Pirates' rotation.

If that's the case, then Sanchez probably won't be a Pirate after March 24. The left-hander holds an 11.81 ERA and has walked eight over 5 1/3 innings this spring and looks to be well behind Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson in the competition to fill the No. 5 spot until Francisco Liriano is ready.

Following up a strong first outing, Jonathan Sanchez gave up four runs and walked four in two-thirds of an inning against the Red Sox on Thursday.

Ugly. It's not like the Pirates are counting on Sanchez after giving him a minor league deal earlier this month. He's a lottery ticket.

Jonathan Sanchez pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two in relief Sunday in the Pirates' 9-2 win over the Braves.

Little is expected from Sanchez this spring after his disaster of a 2012 season, but he can't be completely written off. It was just two years ago that he was striking out a batter an inning as a member of the Giants rotation.

Pirates signed LHP Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Sanchez is coming off a brutal season in which he posted a 8.07 ERA and 45/53 K/BB ratio over 64 2/3 innings between the Royals and Rockies, but the Pirates will take him on as a reclamation project. The 30-year-old left-hander is unlikely to begin the season in Pittsburgh's rotation.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Pirates are close to signing Jonathan Sanchez.

It's presumably a minor league deal. Heyman says that Sanchez is "healthy and has worked all winter on his mechanics," but we'll need to see it before we believe it following a year where he posted an 8.07 ERA over 15 starts. The left-hander turned 30 over the winter.

Rockies transferred LHP Jonathan Sanchez to the 60-day disabled list.

Rockies placed LHP Jonathan Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 4, with left biceps tendinitis.

It's the same ailment that sent him to the DL last year with the Giants, though it wouldn't be surprising if it's a phantom injury just to get him off the roster. Sanchez has been even worse for the Rockies than he was for the Royals, putting up a 9.53 ERA over three starts.

Jonathan Sanchez is scheduled to make his Rockies debut Monday against the Diamondbacks.

Sanchez was acquired for Jeremy Guthrie on Friday and will immediately be used as the Rockies' fourth starter. He went 1-6 with a 7.76 ERA in 12 starts with the Royals prior to being traded, and doesn't figure to benefit from pitching in Colorado.

Rockies acquired LHP Jonathan Sanchez from the Royals for RHP Jeremy Guthrie.

It's a swap of bad contracts that makes sense for both sides. The Rockies receive $1.1 million of salary relief, while the Royals might actually be upgrading their sorry rotation with the addition of Guthrie. It's not clear if the Rockies plan to put Sanchez in the rotation or in long relief.

Royals designated LHP Jonathan Sanchez for assignment.

It's a tough pill to swallow for the Royals given that they dealt Melky Cabrera for Sanchez this past winter, but the move was probably overdue. Sanchez was shelled for seven runs in just 1 1/3 innings Monday against the light-hitting Mariners and has a 7.76 ERA in 53 1/3 overall frames this season. He's only 29 years old, though, and could draw some interest on waivers.

Jonathan Sanchez was rocked for seven runs over just 1 1/3 innings in Monday's loss to the Mariners.

He gave up seven hits, walked one and served up a pair of longballs. It's the worst start yet in what has been an awful season for the left-hander, as his ERA and WHIP now sit at 7.76 and 2.04, respectively. The Royals haven't previously mentioned Sanchez possibility being booted from the rotation, but it's got to be a consideration at this point. If he gets another shot, it will come this weekend against the Twins.

Jonathan Sanchez surrendered six runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Twins on Saturday.

Ugly. Sanchez gave up 10 hits and six walks while throwing just 56 out of 101 pitches for strikes. The southpaw now owns a 6.80 ERA and 32/40 K/BB ratio over 46 1/3 innings this season. The Royals can't possibly keep him in the rotation much longer.

Jonathan Sanchez was typically shaky in Sunday's 11-8 loss to the Cardinals, allowing six runs on four hits and six walks in 5 2/3 innings of work.

Sanchez surrendered two home runs in taking a no-decision. He struck out three. Kansas City's 29-year-old lefty is now 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 10/12 K/BB ratio in 16 2/3 innings over three starts since coming off the disabled list on June 13. In a word, dismal. He'll look to get on track against the Twins in Minnesota on Saturday.

Jonathan Sanchez was so-so in a loss to the Astros Monday, giving up four runs - three earned - on six hits and four walks over six innings.

He struck out just three and allowed the first homer of Brian Bixler's career. Sanchez was better last week in his return to the rotation, but he at least went beyond five innings for the first time in his Royals career. He'll take a 5.70 ERA and 1.82 WHIP into this weekend's start against the Cardinals.

Royals activated LHP Jonathan Sanchez from the 15-day disabled list.

As expected, Sanchez will return to start Wednesday against the Brewers. The 29-year-old left-hander had a miserable 6.75 ERA and 18/22 K/BB in 25 1/3 innings prior to hitting the disabled list with biceps tendinitis last month. He should be avoided in most fantasy leagues for now.

Jonathan Sanchez (biceps) will be activated from the disabled list to start Wednesday's game.

Sanchez gave up six runs in his lone rehab start at Triple-A Omaha, but the Royals don't have many better options at the moment. He should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even against a struggling Milwaukee team.

The Royals are expected to activate Jonathan Sanchez (biceps) from the disabled list this week.

Sanchez allowed three runs over five innings for Triple-A Omaha Friday in his third rehab start. "He pitched OK," general manager Dayton Moore said. "His line was fine. The scouts who were there said he threw the ball fine." Sanchez would be on regular rest Wednesday, but the Royals might wait until Saturday, which is when they next need a fifth starter.

Jonathan Sanchez lasted just 2 2/3 innings and gave up six runs in his second rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Omaha.

He allowed six hits -- including two home runs -- and hit a batter. The Royals need to decide whether to add Sanchez to the roster or if he'll need another minor league start. He has been out since May 8 with left biceps tendinitis.

Royals manager Ned Yost said that Jonathan Sanchez (biceps tendinitis) will "probably" get at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Omaha.

Sanchez allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday in his first rehab outing. The 29-year-old left-hander had a miserable 6.75 ERA and 18/22 K/BB in 25 1/3 innings prior to hitting the disabled list earlier this month, so it's not a bad idea to give him some extra time. Will Smith is in line for at least one more start, but he's not worth pursuing in fantasy leagues.