The Red Sox have brought back veteran utility man Danny Santana on a minor-league deal, according to the team’s transactions log. Santana, who has not played in any capacity this season after receiving an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test, will report to Boston’s rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate in Fort Myers.
The 31-year-old Santana originally signed a minors pact with the Sox last March before having his contract selected in May. The versatile switch-hitter appeared in 38 games for Boston, batting just .181/.252/.345 with five home runs, 14 RBIs, 15 runs scored, and four stolen bases while seeing playing time at first base, left field, and center field. He was also included on the club’s ALDS and ALCS rosters.
After electing free agency in November, Santana tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, which resulted in the aforementioned 80-game ban that was handed down to him in April.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana is a veteran of eight major-league seasons between the Twins, Braves, Rangers, and Red Sox. He originally broke in with Minnesota in 2014 and was named Texas’ Player of the Year in 2019.
In addition to his versatility, Santana is also known for his speed. And while he will begin his second stint with the Red Sox in Fort Myers, the expectation is that Santana will work his way up to Triple-A Worcester before long and provide the club with experienced depth at numerous positions there.
As a member of the WooSox last season, Santana slashed .300/.404/.575 to go along with five doubles, two home runs, four RBIs, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, seven walks, and nine strikeouts across 12 games spanning 47 trips to the plate.
(Picture of Danny Santana: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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