The comeback attempt from former Twins pitcher Johan Santana has suffered a major setback.
The Associated Press reports that an MRI has revealed that Santana tore his Achilles tendon, during an extended spring training start in Florida.
“The tendon is severed, and it will in effect end his season,” said Orioles vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette. “We’ll have to get with him and speak to him. But he won’t be able to pitch for the Orioles this season.”
According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Santana was struck on the backside by a liner and when he attempted to pick up the ball, he injured the Achilles.
The Baltimore Sun’s Orioles writer Dan Connelly posted the following tweets related to Santana’s health.
Johan Santana actually hurt himself when retrieving a ball that hit him. Felt something is his Achilles. Being checked out in Sarasota.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) June 6, 2014
LHP Johan Santana has undergone an MRI on his left Achilles, which he injured Friday while fielding a ball in ext spring training.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) June 6, 2014
Santana was on track to join Os later this month but that looks to be in jeopardy now. Threw 33 pitches, gave up just 1h, 3Ks 0ER in 3IP
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) June 6, 2014
Johan Santana basically limped off the field with some assistance. Didnt have to be carried. 35yo coming back from shoulder surgery
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) June 6, 2014
Santana, 35, has been attempting to come back from shoulder surgery. He hasn’t pitched in a Major League Baseball game since 2012, when he was with the Mets.
The Twins also had been reported to be interested in re-acquiring their former left-handed ace, during the offseason and in spring training.
Santana had been getting close to a return. He was added to the Orioles 40-man roster, earlier this week. The team made the move before Santana had a chance to exercise an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, if they hadn’t added him to the roster.
He was to make two final starts at extended spring training, then join the Orioles. Prior to the tear in his Achilles, he would have been eligible to come off the disabled list on June 19th.
