Antonio

Santos

Santos represents a solid in-season depth addition for Chicago’s relief depth as he made 10 relief appearances for the Rockies between 2020 and 2021. The 27-year-old righty hasn’t pitched anywhere since getting hurt during the 2022 season while in New York’s minor-league system.

Santos, who was claimed off waivers from the Rockies back in November, has cleared waivers after being removed from the Mets’ 40-man roster. He’ll remain with the organization this spring as a non-roster invitee. He’ll likely open the 2022 season at Triple-A Syracuse as extra relief depth.

Santos, who spent seven years in the Rockies organization, was shifted to the pen last year, but he still had a tough time in Triple-A, finishing with a 7.94 ERA and a 32/27 K/BB ratio in 45 1/3 innings. His velocity is up to the 94-97 mph range as a reliever, but he’s not ready to help right now. He’ll almost surely be stashed in Triple-A.

The 24-year-old has a horrifying 7.94 ERA over 45 1/3 innings in Triple-A this season, so naturally, the Rockies wanted to watch him test his skills at the major league level for the season finale.

Santos did not make an appearance during his very short stay on Colorado’s active roster.

Santos is back in the Colorado bullpen ahead of Wednesday’s matinee game against the Giants. He has posted a 4.76 ERA and 10/5 K/BB ratio in 11 1/3 innings this season at the major league level.

Santos was demoted in order to make room for Ryan Feltner, who will be making the start on Sunday versus the Braves. The right-hander did not make an appearance for Colorado after being promoted on September 1.

Santos will return to the Colorado bullpen on Wednesday afternoon against the Rangers. The 24-year-old owns a rough 8.83 ERA in 17 1/3 career innings at the MLB level.

The right-hander will take the place of Justin Lawrence, who was optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday. Santos has pitched well at the major league level this season, carrying a 1.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over six frames, although the 24-year-old did struggle in the minors this year with a 7.67 ERA over 31 2/3 innings with a 1.67 WHIP.

This move frees up a 26-man roster spot for Austin Gomber, who will return to the Rockies’ starting rotation on Wednesday after missing a full month with a forearm injury. Santos, 24, should get another shot soon enough.