Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays pitcher, drops suspension appeal

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez has dropped his appeal of a three-game suspension for throwing at Kansas City's Alcides Escobar in the eighth inning on Sunday in a victory over the Royals.

Sanchez was ejected for throwing at Escobar after warnings had been put in place. Home plate umpire Jim Wolf issued warnings after Kansas City's Edinson Volquez hit Toronto slugger Josh Donaldson on the left shoulder in the first.

Sanchez will begin serving the suspension Wednesday against Minnesota. He'll be eligible to return Saturday, the second game of a pivotal weekend series in New York against the AL East-leading Yankees.

Sanchez began the season as a starter but has pitched in relief since returning from a muscle injury. He's 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA.

Sanchez has pitched in four of the past six games, including Tuesday's win, and was likely to be rested Wednesday and Thursday, manager John Gibbons said.