The Atlanta Braves initially acquired Sanchez from the Los Angeles Angels.
Ricardo Jose (Lugo) Sanchez was signed by the Angels out of Venezuela as a big-time signee in July 2013, getting a signing bonus north of a half-million dollars.
The Angles started out Sanchez with their Arizona Rookie League team. He made 12 appearances, throwing 38 2/3 innings, posting a 3.49 ERA and 1.60 WHIP with a 12.09% walk rate and 23.63% strikeout rate.
Between the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the Braves and Angels made a deal sending Kyle Kubitza and Nate Hyatt to the Angels for Sanchez.