Entering the 2014 season, there were high expectations for both the Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Hector Santiago. Unfortunately, both parties are struggling a bit, and as a result, Mike Scioscia has decided to send Santiago to the bullpen for the immediate future.
I'm told Hector Santiago is out of #Angels rotation, at least temporarily. Waiting to talk to pitching coach Mike Butcher.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) May 9, 2014
In addition to reporting that Santiago was heading to the bullpen in the first place, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times also had this to say on the situation:
"The Angels are likely to call up a starter from triple-A Salt Lake to take Santiago’s next turn, scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia. The Angels also sent left-handed reliever Sean Burnett to double-A Arkansas to begin a rehabilitation assignment that could last the maximum 30 days.For now, Santiago is the lone left-hander in the bullpen. The Angels informed Santiago of the move Friday afternoon, before the team opened a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.“They said, ‘You’re going to the bullpen.’ That’s it,” Santiago said. “It was short and sweet, and to the point. Obviously, I didn’t want it to happen. I’ve been kind of looking for something to happen, the way it was going.”"
To be frank, Santiago has been less than spectacular this season. The left-hander has a woeful walk rate of 4.7 per 9 innings, and as a result, his ERA has been an ugly 5.19 thus far this season. There is significant talent there with Santiago, but until he gets the walks under control, the bullpen will probably be his best destination.
Stay tuned.