The Los Angeles Dodgers have completed nearly two weeks of their Cactus League schedule, and one pitcher who continues to make a strong impression is Dennis Santana.
The right-hander tossed another scoreless inning in his most recent appearance against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, bringing his total to four on the spring.
In four games thus far, Santana has allowed just one hit with five strikeouts. “I just look at my target and 100% confident in that pitch. I just execute it,” he said.
Santana is now another year removed from the significant shoulder injury he sustained in 2018 and believes being at full health has led to his early success. “Every time I’m healthy I can show what I can do,” he said. “That’s what’s happening right now.”
With just 16 big-league appearances under his belt, Santana revealed that his biggest goal this spring is earning a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. “And getting to stay in the big leagues for years and years,” he added.
Though a starter by trade, Santana has exclusively pitched out of the bullpen during his brief MLB career. He could again fill that role this year as the Dodgers have a crowded starting rotation that features the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer and some tandem from Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Jimmy Nelson, David Price and Julio Urias.
Even so, Santana has found it helpful to be around three former Cy Young Award winners and so much talent in general. “It’s another thing that gives me confidence,” he said of the Dodgers’ collection of arms.
“I look at them and learn a lot from Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Bauer, David Price and also Walker Buehler. I watch a lot to see what I can learn from them.”
Santana stating case for Opening Day roster
Hoping to break camp with the Dodgers, Santana has helped his case by regularly impressing manager Dave Roberts this spring. “I just think he’s really healthy and has gotten a lot more physical,” Roberts said.
“He put in a lot of good work this past winter and with the delivery, I think he’s able to hold positions throughout the delivery with core and lower-half strength.
It’s just allowing him to execute pitches consistently. He has as good of command as he’s had since I’ve seen him.”
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