Johan Santana’s comeback with the Orioles continues chugging along, as the rehabbing left-hander tossed four innings in an extended spring training game Thursday.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter declined to tell Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com exactly how fast Santana was throwing after previous reports had him in the high-80s last week, but he did say that the two-time Cy Young winner “threw the ball well” and the velocity was the “highest he’s been.”
According to Ghiroli he’ll likely make one more extended spring training appearance and then begin a minor-league rehab assignment, which would start a 30-day clock on his ETA in Baltimore (barring a setback). Santana hasn’t pitched in the majors since August of 2012, so he’s hardly assured of making an impact for the Orioles, but he could be an option as a starter or a reliever.
