Duaner Sanchez stepped onto the mound yesterday and threw to live hitters in a game for the first time in nearly two years.

John Delcos, on his blog for the Journal News describes the first two hitters, Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider, reaching base on a bloop and a bleeder. Duaner got the next batter to hit into a fielder’s choice, which put runners on the corners with one out.

This simulated a situation that would be familiar to him in a set up situation out of the pen and he did not disappoint. He mixed his fastball and change up to Fernando Martinez and Brahaim Maldonado and fooled them both.

Sanchez got his fastball up to 90 mph and threw plenty of strikes. Pitching coach Rick Peterson did not disappoint either and had one of his classic metaphors ready for Duaner’s return.

“ He started this journey last spring. It was like walking across the desert step-by-step and today he finally got to the oasis.

“It was incredibly exciting for all of us.’’

The desert where Rick’s ‘Peak Performance Pyramid’ resides.

I’m happy for Duaner, and cautiously optimistic. However, how many pitchers have come back from such a severe shoulder injury and two surgeries. I think some folks think its a given he will return to form, but I still need to see it. I hope he can, I just can’t help but think that there isn’t much precedent for someone being able to do so.