A rash of injuries to their pitching staff forced the Los Angeles Dodgers to heavily lean on pitchers from the Minor League ranks, and among them was Dennis Santana. While one of the organization’s top pitching prospects, Santana’s MLB debut in June.
However, his time on the mound for the Dodgers came to an abrupt end after pitching out of the bullpen at Coors Field. Santana was slated to make his first career MLB start but was scratched minutes before first pitch.
It was initially said to be due to right lat soreness but an MRI later determined Santana had a right rotator cuff strain. He was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in June and has been on the mend since that point.
Santana recently completed his first bullpen session since suffering the injury. That seemingly went well, as the right-hander shared on Twitter that he advanced to facing hitters:
Took another step forward today🙏🏽 My first session of live BP to hitters. It went well, getting closer to ready 🔥⚾👊🏽#GodFirst #ElLatigo pic.twitter.com/ZWV6p2s4rI
— Dennis Santana (@DennisSantanaRD) August 28, 2018
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not provided a timetable on Santana, who already is eligible to be activated. Considering the club’s pitching depth is improved at present time, there’s no reason to believe they would rush the 22-year-old back this season.
Particularly with their current surplus of starters and with Josh Fields, Ross Stripling and Julio Urias among the pitchers expected to be added to the roster once it expands in September.
