Sanchez prepared to lock up ALDS for Blue Jays

TORONTO — A day before his first career postseason start, Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez reflected on his journey throughout the 2016 season, a journey that was initially destined to end in the bullpen and one that wasn’t expected to last as long as it has after a career-high 192 innings.

The Blue Jays and Sanchez, however, are certainly happy with the way things have turned out. The hope is that Sanchez can close out Toronto’s best-of-five American League Division Series against Texas with a third consecutive victory on Sunday at Rogers Centre. Game 3 will be televised at 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT on TBS in the United States as well as on Sportsnet (English) and TVA (French) in Canada. The game will also be broadcast in Spanish on MLB Network.

“I’m ready. I’m excited,” Sanchez said at Saturday’s team workout. “This is why you work so hard; for moments like this, opportunities like these. I couldn’t be more prepared to come out and lock this thing up for us.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 6   TOR 10, TEX 1 Gm 2 Oct. 7   TOR 5 TEX 3 Gm 3 Oct. 9 7:30 p.m. TEX @ TOR TBS/SN/TVA/MLBN# *Gm 4 Oct. 10 1 or 6 p.m. TEX @ TOR TBS/SN/TVA *Gm 5 Oct. 12 8 or 9:30 p.m. TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA *- If necessary | All times listed ET # The game will also be broadcast in Spanish on MLB Network • Division Series start time scenarios • Blue Jays vs. Rangers ALDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Rangers | Blue Jays

Sanchez’s preparation for the rigors of a deep run started in the offseason, when the 24-year-old worked alongside teammate Marcus Stroman. Sanchez bulked up and added 25 pounds to make a full-time transition as a member of the rotation.

Still, question marks about workload surrounded Sanchez through Spring Training — where he wrestled …

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