Ervin Santana, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2005. Born on December 12, 1982, in La Romana, Santana quickly established himself as a reliable starter in the Angels' rotation. His rookie season was marked by a solid performance, where he posted a 12-8 record and helped the team reach the postseason.
Santana's tenure with the Angels was highlighted by several standout moments, including a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians on July 27, 2011. This achievement was a testament to his skill and ability to dominate opposing hitters. During his time with the Angels, Santana was known for his fastball and slider combination, which kept batters off balance and contributed to his success on the mound.
In 2012, Santana was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he continued to be a dependable presence in the starting rotation. His 2013 season with the Royals was particularly impressive, as he recorded a 3.24 ERA over 32 starts. This performance helped the Royals remain competitive in the American League Central division.
Following his stint with the Royals, Santana signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2014. His time in Atlanta was brief but effective, as he posted a 14-10 record with a 3.95 ERA. Santana's ability to adapt to different teams and leagues was evident as he transitioned to the Minnesota Twins in 2015. With the Twins, Santana experienced a resurgence, earning an All-Star selection in 2017. That season, he finished with a 16-8 record and a 3.28 ERA, playing a crucial role in the Twins' journey to the American League Wild Card Game.
Santana's career also included a brief period with the Chicago White Sox in 2019, although his time there was limited due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Santana's career spanned over a decade and a half, during which he accumulated over 2,000 innings pitched and more than 1,900 strikeouts.
Throughout his career, Santana was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. His longevity in the league was a testament to his skill and adaptability, allowing him to remain a valuable asset to multiple teams over the years. Santana's career concluded with a return to the Kansas City Royals in 2021, where he provided veteran leadership and experience to a young pitching staff.
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