updated 6:01 p.m. ET May 4, 2007

MIAMI - Florida Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez was optioned Friday to Triple-A Albuquerque, where he’ll try to rediscover the form that helped him throw a no-hitter as a rookie last year.

Sanchez has allowed 43 hits and 19 walks in 30 innings this season. He’s 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA in six starts.

“We felt as an organization that he needed to go down and get some things straightened out,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “It’s tough to make adjustments at the big-league level and work on things.

“There’s something not right. But I feel really confident he can fix it.”

The Marlins reinstated right-hander Jorge Julio from the disabled list. Julio, who has a 19.06 ERA in seven games, lost the closer’s job before he went on the DL on April 18 with a strained right calf.

Sanchez’s no-hitter Sept. 6 came against Arizona in his 13th major-league start. It was the first no-hitter in the majors in 2½ years.

He finished the season 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA.

“Last year everything was going great for him, and there wasn’t a lot of adversity,” pitching coach Rick Kranitz said. “Now there is. This is the lowest point of his major-league career, but we have to see through it.”

Right-hander Sergio Mitre (blister) will be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday against San Diego. Right-hander Wes Obermueller will take Sanchez’s turn Tuesday against Los Angeles.

Sanchez has struggled with his command this season and failed to challenge hitters the way he did last year. Still, the demotion came as a surprise.

“He took it hard, and he should,” Kranitz said. “He believes he’s a major-league pitcher. I believe he’s a major-league pitcher. But we have to do what’s best for his career, and right now this is it.”

Slide show   The Week in Sports Pictures Fireworks, crash landings, Wimbledon theatrics and more. more photos

Gonzalez said he wants to give Julio another shot at the closer’s role — but not right away. Rookie Henry Owens began the weekend 3-for-3 in save chances and will keep the job for now.

Julio, the Marlins’ third highest-paid player at $3.6 million, said he received advice from a sports psychologist and others while on the disabled list.

“I talked to a lot of people,” he said. “It helped me a lot. Everybody tells me, ‘Take it easy, stay focused and keep going.’ I feel right now like a new Julio.”

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Manny shines as Dodgers add to Mets’ woes Live updates on Thursday's baseball games   Royals drop Red Sox into tie with Yankees Teixeira ends HR drought as Yanks edge Twins MLB blog: Jeter says ump lying, what will MLB do? Trade rumors swirl as Halladay loses to Rays Utley, Werth lead Phillies past Reds Phillies, Pedro circling around contract talks Rumors: Halladay and Wells a package deal? Victorino, Inge elected by fans to All-Star game Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: