Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana close to return

According to a report from Sports Injury Alert, Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana is nearing a return from a bone bruise injury that has kept him out of Ron Gardenhire‘s lineup since late June.

"While the Twins are 11th in the league in runs scored, they can use all the help they can get to overcome a pitching staff that is 26th in the Major Leagues in ERA. The hope is Santana can provide some spark to the lineup when he returns following the All-Star break."

Minnesota sits at the bottom of the American League Central at 44-50, trailing the division-leading Detroit Tigers by 10 1/2 games heading into the season’s second half. As the report noted, runs have come at a premium for the Twins this season, which has led to major issues when coupled with the shortcomings of the Minnesota pitching staff.

Tuesday night, Santana played with the Fort Myers Miracle, going 0-for-3.  The 23-year-old middle infielder in in the midst of his first big league season, and has impressed in 37 games with the Twins, hitting .328/.366/.448 with two home runs, 16 RBIs and six stolen bases.

Last year, with Double-A New Britain, Santana batted .297 in 131 games, swiping 30 bags and driving in 45 runs.

Minnesota will look to push toward .500 when the season’s second half opens for the team at home against Tampa Bay on Friday night.