Randa, who was acquired in the off season as a free agent, likely won't replace Sanchez in the starting lineup anytime soon.
Sanchez, a utility player before his breakthrough year, leads the National League with a .365 batting average following Tuesday's game against the visiting Colorado Rockies.
Although the Pirates continued their struggles, losing Tuesday, 13-4, Sanchez remained on a roll. He went two for four from the No. 3 spot in the lineup, driving in two runs.
In his five games back from the break, Sanchez ? who turned in three assists and two putouts in the 77th Major League Baseball All-Star game on July 11 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh ? went 10 for 22 with four runs scored and five runs batted in.
Sanchez's double just beyond the reach of Colorado first baseman Todd Helton in the eighth inning drove in the go-ahead run in the Pirates' 3-1 victory against the Rockies on Monday night.
"Any time you can contribute to helping your team win is huge," Sanchez, who has a seven-game hitting streak, told MLB.com. "I was looking for a pitch out over the plate, something I could put in play and drive. Fortunately, I was able to sneak it by [Colorado first baseman Todd] Helton."
Added Pirates manager Jim Tracy: "I've run out of words to describe how good of an offensive player this guy is."
Sanchez ? who signed a contract with the Pirates in February worth $342,000 ? will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Mark Loretta (St. Francis, 1989), second baseman, Boston Red Sox ? The month of July has been a painful one for the former area standout.
Loretta entered the month with a .320 batting average, but he dipped under the .300 mark Tuesday after an 0-for-3 effort in a 1-0 victory against the Kansas City Royals.
During the month, the All-Star second baseman is hitting just 10 for 56 (.179), which has dropped his average to .298.
