Minnesota Twins fall to the Kansas City Royals, 3-2 in Santana’s Debut

The Minnesota Twins dropped the series finale to the Kansas City Royals, 3-2, despite a strong pitching performance from Ervin Santana. The Twins split what was an entertaining four-game series with the first place Royals.

Making his Twins debut after serving an 80 game suspension for PED use, Santana pitched eight strong innings. He gave up two earned runs on three hits and recorded eight strikeouts.

Santana started the day by retiring the first six batters he faced. He finished the day with four, 1-2-3 innings.

Getting Santana back from his suspension right before the All-Star break is like trading for a veteran pitcher without having to give anything up in return. Santana has 119 career victories under his belt and with the Twins in the middle of a playoff chase, adding a starting pitcher with his experience will bolster the Twins rotation.

The only downfall of Santana’s return is the reminder that he won’t be able to pitch in the playoffs if the Twins happen to make the postseason. But, having him in the rotation the rest of the way will help the Twins cause to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010.

The Twins gave Santana the richest free agent contract in franchise history this offseason, a four-year deal worth $55 million.  After missing nearly the entire first half of the season, the Twins are hoping Santana has more performances like this up his sleeve.

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