Ervin Santana signing the biggest free agent contract in Twins history at $55 million over four years and then getting suspended 80 games for a performance-enhancing drug before throwing a pitch was ... well, let’s say less than ideal for Minnesota.
However, since returning from his suspension three weeks ago Santana has pitched very well for the Twins. He’s thrown scoreless ball in back-to-back starts, blanking the A’s for 7.2 innings last Friday and shutting out the Angels for eight innings yesterday.
Overall in four post-suspension starts Santana is 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA and 21/7 K/BB ratio in 27.2 innings while holding opponents to a .196 batting average. Of course, if he continues to pitch well and helps the Twins reach the playoffs after four straight 90-loss seasons Santana won’t be eligible to pitch in the postseason due to the new suspension rules.
