Sergio

Santos

After entering with one on and one out, Santos gave up a game-tying homer to Alex Avila in the ninth, and he went on to allow a go-ahead single in the 10th. It was his sixth blown save and fifth loss. Five of the seven runs he’s allowed since the All-Star break have come in two appearances versus Detroit.

The contract includes three guaranteed years (including his first two years of arbitration) and club options from 2015-2017. He’ll make $1 million next season, $2.75 million in 2013 and $3.75 million in 2014. Meanwhile, the team options include $6 million for 2015, $8 million for 2016 an $8.75 million for 2017. Santos, a former infielder, thrived after unexpectedly being thrust into the closer role earlier this season, posting a 3.55 ERA, 30 saves and a 92/29 K/BB ratio over 63 1/3 innings. Assuming the 28-year-old right-hander remains healthy, this could be a great deal for the White Sox.

Just the latest in a long line of big name closers who have blown a save early on. Santos was acquired from the White Sox over the winter after posting a 3.55 ERA last season while going 30-for-36 in save opportunities. We still expect him to be a really solid fantasy closer, but Francisco Cordero lingers if he has a prolonged struggle.

The move enables the Jays to call Evan Crawford up for a day while Santos is away for the birth of his child. Santos could be back as early as Saturday, but will return for sure by Sunday. Francisco Cordero will handle fireman duties in his absence.

Santos is scheduled to arrive Saturday before game time, but won’t be activated until tomorrow. Evan Crawford will likely be demoted once Santos returns.

Santos recently underwent an MRI which revealed no structural damage, but he was told to not throw for the next two weeks. He’ll have to ramp things up slowly from there and likely make a couple minor league rehab appearances, so we likely won’t see him back in the Jays’ bullpen until late May. Francisco Cordero will hold things down in the closer role for now and should be owned in the great majority of fantasy leagues.

Santos, who is currently working his way back from shoulder inflammation, just began playing catch last week. He’ll need to progress to throwing from 120-150 feet before getting back on a mound. Late May or early June is likely the best-case scenario for his return and Casey Janssen will continue to fill in for now.

Good news, as Santos appears to just be dealing with some inflammation in the shoulder. He’ll be reevaluated after the 10-14 day period, at which time he could be cleared to resume throwing. Francisco Cordero should be owned in most fantasy leagues while he’s sidelined.

Santos’ first blown save was just a bad pitch that resulted in a game-tying solo homer, but this one was ugly. He allowed a double, a single and three walks while allowing the final run to score on a wild pitch. His leash should be long, but note that Santos has a proven closer in Francisco Cordero behind him.

The Blue Jays think Santos is just dealing with inflammation, but he’ll be checked out for structural damage just in case. Francisco Cordero will handle the ninth inning while Santos is on the shelf.