After compiling a 3–6 record and a 6.67 ERA in his first 11 starts, Sánchez was demoted to the Tiger bullpen following a May 31 start against the Los Angeles Angels. Sanchez returned to the starting rotation on July 5 in Cleveland against the Cleveland Indians throwing 4.1 innings and earning the loss. He pitched in the starting rotation for much of the remaining season, due to injuries to other Tiger starters. Sánchez struggled for a second straight season, posting a 7–13 record with an ERA of 5.87, while allowing 30 home runs, a new career high.