Suspended Twins pitcher Ervin Santana shows promise in first tune-up start with Rochester http://t.co/JQRInrGSRw pic.twitter.com/KcnFStNTrk
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) June 21, 2015
Minor League Baseball is known for their wacky pop culture jersey promotions in attempts to draw fans to the park, but have you ever wondered what it would look like if an MLB player had to don a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or Star Wars uniform?
Twins pitcher Ervin Santana answered that question Saturday night, as he made his first rehab start — since his 80-game PED suspension — for the Rochester Red Wings on “Star Wars Night.” The righty was solid, going five-plus scoreless innings in his Comic Con-ready Darth Vader jersey:
https://twitter.com/MNTwinsUpdate/status/613202283464036352
Ervin Santana in Rochester. 5.2 IP. 1 R. About 80 pitches. Looked poised. Sat high 80s. Down to 83 in 6th. #Twins pic.twitter.com/VL4LOcdKFw
— Aaron Rosenberg (@AaronRosenberg3) June 21, 2015
After viewing these, I’m fairly certain the gimmick promotions should stay at the minor-league level.
Sidenote: Is it really a “rehab” start if the guy the is coming off a damn suspension?