Victor

Santos

This means southpaws Tony Mounce and Mario Ramos will keep their spots for now. Santos should consider himself fortunate that he’s staying in the minors. The Rangers will free up a roster spot for Benoit by sending down Erasmo Ramirez or by placing Jay Powell on the DL with highERAitis.

Although he has pitched well this season so far, with a 3.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 21 innings, the 27 year-old needs to continue to pitch well before we can put our stamp of approval on him. He will get a chance to prove us wrong.

Santos still has the solid 4.18 ERA, but he’s failed to last six innings in six of his last eight starts. It’s about time for the Brewers to think about putting him in middle relief. Ben Hendrickson or Dana Eveland could take his rotation spot.

He’s really struggled and could end up in the bullpen before too long. Since the all-star break last season, Santos has made 35 starts, the equivalent of a full season. His combined record in that period is 6-20 and his earned run average is 4.74 (103 earned runs, 195 2/3 innings).

He gave up six hits, walked two, and struck out four. Santos had been in trouble of late and was in danger of losing his rotation spot, but he should get at least one more start after tonight’s solid outing.

Santos shouldn’t have any fantasy value. We don’t think his stay in the rotation will be for more than a few starts.

Ryan Vogelsong did most of the work in the extra frames for the Pirates, allowing one run in five innings. Santos was scheduled to make his next start on Monday and still might pitch then. However, since the Pirates had Thursday off, they can easily push him back to Tuesday.

Santos still hopes to start against Kansas City, and we can’t blame him. If Santos can’t go, the Pirates may turn to Kip Wells or Tom Gorzelanny.

Three straight quality starts have dropped Santos’ ERA to 4.50. With Ian Snell also pitching better, the Pirates might have a tough decision to make when Kip Wells returns at the end of the month. We’re still not recommending Santos in NL-only leagues.

The Pirates had been calling Santos questionable for his next start with a cracked fingernail. If the shoulder is the real problem, he might not be much of a factor over the rest of the season. With Kip Wells back and Tom Gorzelanny ready, the Pirates have six starters better than Santos anyway.