Johan Santana‘s latest bid for a Major League Baseball return has hit a snag that will keep the left-hander off the mound in 2015.
According to ESPN.com’s Adam Rubin, Santana needs time to recover from a toe problem before he can pitch again:
Two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana has suspended his bid to pitch in the majors and will try again in 2016, a source told ESPN.com.
Santana has been dealing with a toe infection and became resigned that he would not have sufficient time to ramp up this season to pitch in the majors once that issue is resolved.
Santana hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2012 with the New York Mets, posting a 4.85 ERA in 21 starts.
The former All-Star has battled numerous injuries over the last three years as he tries to pitch for an MLB team again. He missed the entire 2013 season with a shoulder injury but signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles in 2014.
In June 2014, Santana tore his left Achilles tendon and missed the rest of the year. He caught on this year pitching in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system but was once again forced to step away from the mound with an injury.
It’s hard to criticize Santana for continuing to do what he wants, but at some point, Father Time and injuries are too tough to overcome. He’s 36 years old now, and his last season with at least 120 innings pitched was in 2010. He is fighting an uphill battle.
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