MLB Rumors: Johan Santana struggled to top 80 mph in workout

Multiple Major League Baseball teams were interested in signing free agent pitcher Johan Santana this offseason, though, the veteran had to push his potential return back as he has yet to fully recover from his shoulder surgery.

The oft-injured pitcher held a private workout for multiple teams recently and while Santana was very impressed with himself, tweeting that he had a ‘very good day on the mound’ others may not have been as impressed.

According to reports, Santana struggled to top 80 mph with his pitches, often pitching in the mid 70’s and focusing on his changeup.

"Tim Naehring represented the Yankees at the workout in which Santana topped out at 81 mph, pitched between 77 and 78 mph and mixed in an impressive changeup.While the Yankees have questions throughout their rotation, it’s highly unlikely they watched Santana thinking he could be a help this year."

Santana is still building up arm strength so the lack of velocity should improve, though, considering how low it currently is – that’s slightly alarming.

Prior to his rash of injuries, Santana was routinely in the low 90’s and was in the high 80’s before last pitching in 2012.

On the plus side, some of his slower pitches were said to be thrown well so hopefully Santana will be able to come back and held a team in the second half of the season.