BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Freddy Sanchez, last season’s NL batting champion, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday and will miss at least four games.

Sanchez hasn’t played in a major league spring game since he sprained his right medial collateral ligament turning a double play March 6. He played in minor league games Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but said his swing still isn’t where he wants it to be.

Sanchez, who hit .344 last season, will stay at the Pirates’ minor league camp and play in spring games for several days, and may play a game or two in Triple-A.

Indianapolis on a rehabilitation assignment. Indianapolis opens its season Thursday.

Because the Pirates backdated the move, Sanchez can be activated on April 7, though it is uncertain if he will be ready by then. He is hopeful of being ready for the April 9 home opener against St. Louis.

Jose Castillo will start at second base until Sanchez returns.