Whenever Ervin Santana returns to the Twins - and it could be as soon as next week - he might not be the same pitcher.
Santana gave up just one earned run on Friday during a six-inning outing against Norfolk, but his fastball topped out at 89-90 miles an hour. That's at least three m.p.h. slower than he normally throws - and we have seen a couple 95's fly out of his hand too.
"I think we just have to get used to the fact the velocity is going to be down a little," Twins manager Paul Molitor said after tonight's loss to the Royals.
It's the years in your life, not the life in your years. Getting old is a matter of mind over matter - if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. But the fact is Santana is in his age 35 season and is coming off of a surgery ( I know, finger surgery, but it's still a surgery). A slowdown was inevitable. So we will see soon if he's crafty enough to pitch around it. With his slider and changeup, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
It's also possible that he gets a couple mph once he's back on the MLB bump. But the Twins are preparing for lower numbers.
Molitor said they have not decided yet if Santana will be called up next week or make one more start for the Red Wings. He only threw 66 pitches tonight, so he might need another start just to build his endurance.
"I'm sure we'll talk through it in the short term," Molitor said.
Here's one report on Santana's outing. He sounds like he's ready to return.
