Sergio Santos (baseball)

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This article is about the baseball player. For other people with the same name, see Sergio Santos (disambiguation).
Sergio Santos
Santos with the Chicago White Sox
Pitcher
Born: (1983-07-04) July 4, 1983 (age 40)
Bellflower, California, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 8, 2010, for the Chicago White Sox
Last MLB appearance
June 15, 2015, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Win–loss record7–12
Earned run average3.98
Strikeouts227
Saves39
Teams

Sergio Jose Santos (born July 4, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

Draft and career as a shortstop[edit]

Santos, who is of Mexican American descent,[1] was drafted out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.[2] Between 2002 and 2005, Santos steadily worked his way up through the Diamondbacks' farm system all the way to Triple-A Tucson, where he hit 21 doubles and 12 home runs in 2005.

On December 27, 2005, Santos was sent to Toronto Blue Jays along with Troy Glaus in exchange for Miguel Batista and Orlando Hudson.[3] In 2006, he hit .214 with 5 home runs and 38 RBI in 128 games with Toronto's Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs. He attended the Blue Jays' 2007 spring training, but did not make the active 25-man roster. After his struggles at Triple-A Syracuse in 2006, Toronto assigned Santos to their Double-A affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for the 2007 season. Santos won the Home Run Derby preceding the Eastern League All Star game in 2007 at Dodd Stadium.

Santos with the Rochester Red Wings in 2008

On May 13, 2008, Santos was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins. He became a free agent at the end of the season and signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox,[4] but on March 20, 2009, was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for future considerations. Less than two weeks after the trade he was brought back to the White Sox organization and sent to extended spring training to convert from infielder to pitcher.[2][5]

Pitching career[edit]

Chicago White Sox[edit]

Santos pitched at four levels of the Sox minor league system in 2009, beginning at the Single-A Kannapolis Intimidators and ending at Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He posted a combined ERA of 8.16, but struck out more than a batter an inning.[2]

On March 30, 2010, Santos was named to the White Sox opening day active roster.[6] He won the 7th and final spot in the bullpen over Greg Aquino.

Santos earned his first major league win by pitching two innings of shutout baseball, striking out two in an 11 inning win over the Detroit Tigers on August 5, 2010.[7]

He established a new Major League record with his 25th straight scoreless appearance on the road to start a season in a 6–3 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on August 11, 2011. Mariano Rivera had previously held the record since 2005.[8] Santos' achievement was actually part of a longer such streak of 30 which began in the previous campaign.[9]

Toronto Blue Jays[edit]

On December 6, 2011, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Néstor Molina.[10] Santos was expected to act as the closer for the Jays, while veteran Francisco Cordero would be the setup pitcher.

Santos made his first appearance as a Blue Jay on Opening Day 2012, getting the final 2 outs in a 16 inning win against the Cleveland Indians, the longest game in Opening Day history.[11] Santos was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 21 due to right shoulder inflammation. He was later transferred to the 60-day disabled list. On July 15, it was announced that Santos would need season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. He made 6 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2012, posting a 0-1 record with a 9.00 ERA and 2 saves in 4 chances.[12]

Santos pitched through 2013 Spring Training with the Blue Jays and made the team, but was not selected to be the closer, with manager John Gibbons electing to use Casey Janssen instead of Santos. On April 15, Santos was placed on the 15-day DL with a triceps strain.[13] On May 14, it was revealed that Santos would require surgery on his right elbow to clean out some bone spurs and chips.[14] On August 1, Santos was activated from the 60-day disabled list by the Blue Jays and called up to replace Dustin McGowan, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.[15]

Santos began the 2014 season as the closer for the Blue Jays, due to an injury to Casey Janssen. Santos converted his first 5 save chances, but proceeded to blow his next 3 opportunities, raising his ERA to over 10. On May 3, he was replaced as closer by Aaron Loup.[16] Santos was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on July 21.[17][18] He cleared waivers and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on July 23.[19] His contract was selected from Buffalo on August 23. The Blue Jays designated Santos for assignment again on August 27, after he made two unsuccessful appearances with the big league club.[20] On September 1, he was outrighted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.[21] Santos finished the 2014 season with a 0–3 record, 5 saves, 8.57 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and a 2.19 WHIP in 26 appearances totaling 21 innings pitched.[22]

Los Angeles Dodgers[edit]

On January 8, 2015, he agreed to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[23] He was assigned to the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers.[24] The Dodgers promoted him to the MLB roster on April 24.[25] He was designated for assignment on May 27 and removed from the 40-man roster.[26] In 12 games with the Dodgers, he had a 4.73 ERA.[22] He cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent rather than return to the minors.[27]

New York Yankees[edit]

On June 9, 2015, Santos agreed on a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.[28] The Yankees promoted him to the major leagues on June 13.[29] He was placed on the disabled list on June 19 with right elbow inflammation, after just two appearances with the Yankees. On June 21, it was reported that he would undergo Tommy John surgery.[30] On November 2, he was outrighted and immediately elected free agency.

Post–playing career[edit]

New York Yankees[edit]

Santos was named manager of the Hudson Valley Renegades the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees for 2023.

Chicago White Sox[edit]

On January 19, 2024, the Chicago White Sox hired Santos to serve as the manager for their Double–A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons.[31]

Pitching style[edit]

Santos throws a hard four-seam fastball with movement in the 96-97 mph range, as well as an 87 mph slider and a changeup.[32]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Merkin, Scott (June 15, 2011). "Santos' father inspired him as a player, man". MLB.com. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Witz, Billy (April 24, 2010). "A Dream, Just Not That Dream". New York Times. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  3. ^ "Jays get Glaus, prospect for Batista, Hudson". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 27, 2005. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  4. ^ Merkin, Scott (January 12, 2009). "First-rounders earn non-roster invites". MLB.com. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  5. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (May 16, 2011). "Transactions History: Sergio Santos". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  6. ^ Catley, Ben (March 31, 2010). "Osprey alum Santos makes ChiSox". MILB.com. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  7. ^ "Kotsay, White Sox beat Tigers in 11 innings". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 5, 2010. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  8. ^ Merkin, Scott (August 11, 2011). "Santos eclipses Mariano for road relief record". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  9. ^ Gonzales, Mark. "Sox's Santos unaware of setting major league record," Chicago Tribune, Friday, August 12, 2011.[dead link]
  10. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (December 6, 2011). "Case closed: Blue Jays land closer Santos". MLB.com. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  11. ^ "Jays rally to beat Indians in longest ever opening day game". TSN. Associated Press. April 6, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  12. ^ "Blue Jays closer needs season ending surgery". TSN. The Canadian Press. July 15, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  13. ^ Peaslee, Evan (April 16, 2013). "Lawrie to debut Tuesday; Santos placed on DL". MLB.com. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  14. ^ Axisa, Mike (May 14, 2013). "Sergio Santos likely out six weeks due to elbow surgery". CBSSports.com. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  15. ^ "Blue Jays activate Santos, assign McGowan to 15-day DL". TSN.ca. August 1, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  16. ^ Harrison, Doug (May 3, 2014). "Brandon Morrow put on DL by Blue Jays, Santos out as closer". CBC.ca. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
  17. ^ "Jays designate Santos for assignment; recall Rasmussen". TSN.ca. July 21, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  18. ^ "Former closer Sergio Santos cut by Blue Jays". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 21, 2014. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  19. ^ "Jays P Santos clears waivers; will report to Buffalo". TSN.ca. July 23, 2014. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  20. ^ "Blue Jays recall Jenkins, cut Santos". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  21. ^ Liddell, Mackenzie (September 1, 2014). "Jays outright Santos to Double-A New Hampshire". Sportsnet. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  22. ^ a b "Sergio Santos Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  23. ^ "Dodgers sign reliever Sergio Santos to minor league deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 8, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  24. ^ Hoornstra, J.P. (April 7, 2015). "Revealed: Opening Day roster for Triple-A Oklahoma City". LA Daily News. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  25. ^ Weisman, Jon (April 24, 2015). "Dodgers add Sergio Santos to bullpen". dodgers.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  26. ^ Weisman, Jon (May 27, 2015). "Dodgers recall Chris Heisey, designate Sergio Santos for assignment". Dodger Insider. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  27. ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (June 6, 2015). "Minor Moves: Santos, Solano, Sands, Hester". mlb trade rumors. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  28. ^ "Yankees sign pitcher Sergio Santos to minor-league deal". Sports Illustrated. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  29. ^ "Sergio Santos added to Yankees' big league bullpen".
  30. ^ "Report: Yankees RHP Sergio Santos to have Tommy John surgery". si.com. June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  31. ^ "White Sox Announce 2024 Player Development Staff". futuresox.net. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  32. ^ "Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Scouting Reports". 60ft6in.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2013.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sergio Santos.
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