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Johan Santana making progress with the Baltimore Orioles in extended spring training

By Timmy Kennedy

Feb 15, 2013; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana throws a pitch during spring training at Legends Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2013; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana throws a pitch during spring training at Legends Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /
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Johan Santana, who signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason is making progress according to Dan Duquette. Santana last pitched in the majors with the New York Mets in 2012, compiling a 4.85 ERA over 117 innings, but had to undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his shoulder.

Santana is currently taking extended spring training for the Orioles, and will throw several innings on Tuesday, before his next step is determined.

Duquette spoke to the Baltimore Sun about Santana’s progress and the opt-out clause which exists in his contract for the end of May.

 “He is a competent major league pitcher” Duquette said.

“That’s open for discussion. I think the June 1 date was a date we had in mind that he would be close to being ready for the big leagues,” Duquette said.

“It’s a fluid situation. He is making good progress, he is throwing his pitches. And this time out, he is going to be five innings or 75 pitches, and that will be a good test for him. He has been feeling good the day after, so that’s all good.”

Santana is a two time Cy-Young winner, and owns a career 3.20 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP over 284 career starts and 2025 innings. Santana is no where near the Santana who used to dominate for the Mets, but, Duquette didn’t rule out a return to the majors for Santana.

With the Orioles currently chasing the Toronto Blue Jays for top spot of the American League East, some new pitching could be warmly welcomed. With offseason signing Ubaldo Jimenez struggling and a poor team ERA of 4.17, Santana could make a return sometime this season.

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