Dodgers: Dennis Santana Looks to Impress in His Latest MLB Stint

The Dodgers recalled Dennis Santana on Sunday in a much-needed move to replace the struggling Brock Stewart.  Although this may be a brief stint, Dennis will look to make an impression on the Dodgers’ staff.

Yesterday the Dodgers finally gave up on Brock Stewart as the long man in the bullpen and recalled Dennis Santana.  For Dennis Santana, it will be his second stint in the big leagues and although it may be brief, it won’t be as brief as his stint last year.  Last year, Dennis pitched 3 2/3 innings in one outing against the Rockies and then was sidelined for the rest of the season with a rotator cuff injury.

Santana nearly matched that in his first appearance yesterday pitching 2 2/3 innings while allowing one run and two base hits.  It was exactly the type of outing that the Dodgers hoped to get from Brock Stewart but he has been so ineffective even pitching with a big lead.  He had allowed eight earned runs in just four innings and struggled to eat up innings.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft
• Dodgers ironically sign former all-star to potentially replace Cody Bellinger
• Padres-Xander Bogaerts contract feels like Manny Machado desperation

While his latest big league stint will likely last less than two weeks, it will still provide a nice opportunity for Dennis to remind the Dodgers’ staff of how good he is.  Clayton Kershaw will make another rehab start and if all goes well, he could be activated to make his first MLB start of the 2019 season.  When he is activated the Dodgers will shift Julio Urias to the bullpen and likely option Santana back to Triple-A.

This year, Santana ranked as the Dodgers’ seventh-best prospect according to mlb.com with two pitchers ranked ahead of him.  Those two pitchers are Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin who have both burst onto the scene in the last year.  Combine those two with Walker Buehler and Julio Urias, and it’s easy to lose track of Dennis Santana in a loaded farm system.

That is why this latest stint in the majors is a big one for Dennis.  He must pitch well and create a memorable lasting impression on the Dodgers or risk falling to the bottom of the depth chart of a ridiculously deep starting pitching staff.  For Santana, the question is not if he has the stuff to make it in the majors, it is about how the team will fit him into their plans.  Over the next week, he should get a few chances to shine.