Another quick hook for struggling Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez

12:11 AM ET

DETROIT — Anibal Sanchez has a shorter leash these days, and for good reason.

The 32-year-old starter, who has shown difficulty this season in working through an opponent’s batting order for the third time, was given the quick hook in the Detroit Tigers’ 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park.

Sanchez, who entered the game 3-4 with a 5.91 ERA, lasted just two batters into the sixth inning Friday night. After giving up a leadoff single to Evan Longoria and walking Steve Pearce, Sanchez was promptly removed from what was a tie ballgame. Maybe manager Brad Ausmus saw Sanchez hit the proverbial wall, as he described following his previous outing in Baltimore, or maybe Ausmus wanted to preempt that from happening entirely. Either way, it was another truncated start for the erratic right-hander, who has provided the Tigers with only one outing of at least seven innings through his first nine starts of the season.

Anibal Sanchez has struggled mightily his third time through the opposing batting order, which led Tigers manager Brad Ausmus to pull him early in Friday’s loss. Carlos Osorio/AP Photo

Sanchez encountered trouble early, saddling the Tigers with a 3-0 hole after the first inning, which began with him surrendering a leadoff home run to Steven Souza Jr. Sanchez recovered from there, working through the next four innings with relative ease and efficiency. The sixth inning, however, continues to be Sanchez’ demise, and the Tigers were prepared for the possibility, with two relievers at the …

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