Johan Santana thinks there’s no reason for concern after he gave up five runs -- four earned -- in 2 2/3 innings Friday in a loss to the Tigers.
ESPN’s Adam Rubin has the quotes:I was able to throw some fastballs with more intensity this time. And I’m feeling good. It’s a process. And I’m building up.
I feel fine. It was a tough day. It was a challenge out there. These guys were swinging. I tried to locate some pitches that I wasn’t able to. But that’s what we’re here for. ... I wasn’t consistent throwing my fastball for strikes. That’s something you work on.Santana, who is coming off shoulder surgery, showed his best velocity of the spring, hitting 90 and 91 mph on the gun more frequently than he had in his previous two starts. That didn’t lead to any strikeouts today, but it’s still a good sign. He’s still penciled in for Opening Day.
