The Atlanta Braves will get a first look at their potential newest starting pitcher on Thursday as the team will send Ervin Santana to the mound against the New York Mets. Santana was signed to a one-year contract after sitting on the free agent market all offseason. The $14.1 million deal comes after both Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy suffered elbow injuries, leaving the Braves scrambling for pitching depth.
Medlen's season is officially over after the pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. This is Medlen's second surgery and the likelihood that returns to Atlanta is slim to known. Beachy's status remains up in the air. The pitcher will see a specialist in Los Angeles before determining if a second surgery is necessary.
Santana garnered little to no interest on the free agent market. He went 9-10 with a 3.24 ERA last season with the Kansas City Royals. He finished tied for fourth in the American League with 23 quality starts. HE was offered a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Royals but turned it down, expecting to get a multi-year contract. That never happened.
The Braves are counting on Santana who will make his spring debut eight days after signing. Atlanta is not rushing Santana. The plan is for the pitcher to throw two innings in his springing training debut. He will work in games and see some minor league action before joining the Braves as the fifth man in the rotation.
The New York Mets are using spring training to determine which players could be traded before the start of the year. Players like Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada are facing trade rumors after rough starts to the year. Injuries are an issue. Tejada was recently scratched for elbow pain. Davis is struggling with calf issues. Lucas Duda is also facing leg issues. Expect New York to make a few moves before the season starts.
