Sánchez was limited to one inning pitched at Rockland due to elbow issues and underwent a procedure to release pressure from his ulnar nerve.

[10] After signing, he began his professional career in 2002 in Short Season A-ball with the Oneonta Tigers in the New York-Penn League.

He was a Florida State League mid-season all-star[12] and received a promotion to Double-A at the end of the season.

[13] He appeared in 15 games for the Eerie SeaWolves, pitching to a 5.57 ERA in 64.2 innings but oblique and groin injuries cost him a full season.

[14] At the end of the year, he pitched for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 1–0 record and 2.15 ERA in six starts.

[18] On 10 November 2006, the Tigers traded Sánchez, along with minor league pitchers Anthony Claggett and Kevin Whelan, to the New York Yankees for slugger Gary Sheffield.

[22] Sánchez made his major league debut three days later in relief against the Chicago White Sox.

[26] He was released by the Yankees on 25 April to make room on the roster for Mark Melancon,[27] but was re-signed to a minor league deal with the organization on 5 May.

[32] Sánchez spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

[35] Sánchez retired after the 2013 season and was hired as a pitching coach with IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.