Danny Santana is Heating Up

Last week at this time Danny Santana owned a .210 batting average. It was the day Minnesota Twins manager, Paul Molitor moved Santana from the leadoff spot to the nine hole in the lineup.

The poor batting average was just one reason why Molitor removed Santana from the leadoff spot. Santana had struck out 20 times during 17 games played.

Since the demotion, Santana has seen his batting average rise from .210 to .273. He has hit safely in six of seven games and had a five game hitting streak. His on-base percentage has gone up from .464 to .608.

In the last seven days Santana has gone 11-26 with three doubles, two RBIs, three runs scored and an impressive .423 batting average. In yesterday’s game against the White Sox, Santana had a three-hit performance with a pair of doubles.

Why did Santana get off to such a horrid start? Maybe it was the pressure of hitting leadoff. Maybe it was the pressure of making his first opening day roster. It may have been due to the fact that he knew he was going to be the everyday shortstop.

Whatever it was, Santana appears much more comfortable batting ninth and appears to have turned his season around. If the Twins are going to compete in 2015 they will need their shortstop to continue to play at a high level.

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