Johan Santana is attempting a pitching comeback after undergoing a second shoulder surgery to repair a torn capsule, but it sounds like he’s a long ways away from being big-league ready.
Santana threw for MLB teams at a Fort Meyers high school Tuesday, according to the New York Post, and the Yankees were one of seven franchises who sent a representative to watch the pitcher.
According to The Post’s George A. King III, Santana threw mostly in the upper-’70s and topped out at 81, though King says Santana’s once wicked changeup was still “impressive.”
Santana, who turns 35 in three weeks, missed all of last season after having surgery in April. The operation was Santana’s second in less than three years to repair the torn capsule.
The Mets signed Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, to a six-year, $137.5 million deal in 2008. Because of injuries, Johan only made 109 starts for the team between 2008-2013. They declined to pick up his option for 2014 and bought him out for $5.5 million.
It’s sad that Santana’s career took these turns and it’s obvious he’ll never be close to his top form with the Minnesota Twins. But if he keeps regaining strength, maybe he’ll build up enough velocity to become a big league pitcher again.
Many teams will likely be keeping an eye on his progress. He may not have the speed to pitch in the 90s again, but as long as he still has his stuff, he might be able to fill a hole in a rotation.
