Twins day at camp: Ervin Santana finds heat when he gets hot

The righthander on Sunday was charged with a balk in the fifth inning that allowed Ben Gamel to score from third and put the Yankees ahead in their 6-4 victory over the Twins.

Santana admitted that he started then stopped his delivery, which led to the balk being called.

"I was not happy," Santana said of his gaffe.

That was evident by his next three pitches, all fastballs that hit 95, 96 and 97 miles per hour on the stadium radar gun. Impressive for a fellow whose fastball has averaged 92.7 mph in his career.

It definitely caught Twins manager Paul Molitor's eye.

"I think [the balk] bothered him," Molitor said, "after seeing the next three pitches."

The Twins are debating whether to leave righthander Alex Meyer in the bullpen or stretch him into a starter again.

Meyer was sent to the minor league camp last week after giving up three earned runs over 4⅔ innings on seven hits and four walks. Meyer, 26, seems to be at a crossroads in his career.

Meyer was a starter when the Twins dealt for him from Washington for outfielder Denard Span in 2012. Meyer has shown flashes of being the top prospect they thought they had landed. But after he struggled last season, the Twins tried him as a reliever. He gave up four earned runs in his major league debut in June 26 and was returned to the minor shortly thereafter.

It's hard to give up on someone who can hit 98 on the radar and who has a good slider. Part of the discussion will center on what's the best path to the majors for Meyer. Ryan will make the final decision.

"I'm very open to what's best for the kid," Ryan said. "We can develop him either way."

• Molitor said the club on Monday will announce its Opening Day starter. Santana said Sunday that he had not been told anything, but Opening Day on April 4 in Baltimore falls on his turn to pitch.

Righthander Kyle Gibson will make his fourth appearance of spring training when he faces the Pirates on Monday. Righthander Juan Nicasio will start for Pittsburgh.