Florida Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez wants big league pay while he's on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, and the Major League Baseball Players Association has filed a grievance on his behalf. The grievance contends Sanchez was injured when demoted to the minors, in violation of the collective bargaining agreement, union attorney Jeff Fannell said Wednesday.
The union contends Sanchez should be on the major league disabled list, which would mean an additional salary of more than $1,400 per day, Fannell said.
The Marlins said Sanchez didn't tell them about discomfort in his pitching shoulder until after he was demoted May 4 to Triple-A Albuquerque. He'll miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery June 21 for a torn labrum, and it's uncertain whether he'll be ready for spring training in 2008.
Sanchez nursed a sore shoulder last offseason and made only six starts this year, going 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA.
A meeting between the union and commissioner's office to discuss the grievance is likely. If no settlement is reached, the issue could go to arbitration.
ESPN - Union files grievance for Sanchez against Marlins - MLB