Blue Jays' Anthony Santander is traditionally a slow starter but there's no time left for patience
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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander is a notoriously slow starter, but we're on June's doorstep now. There's not much time left for patience.
Injuries have been part of Santander's story. He banged up his shoulder in Anaheim earlier this month when he dove into the stands for a foul ball, and soon after returning, his left hip flared up.
There have been points where the switch-hitting Santander hasn't been able to swing from the right side, and he's openly said that he's playing below 100% without a drop of hesitation in his voice.
MLB.com's Keegan Matheson caught up with Santander after the Blue Jays slim 2-1 victory over the Rangers and they talked about what's been going on with the slugger.
«Unfortunately, I got hurt when I disconnected from my hips,» Santander said. «I pivoted and hyperextended. The positive is that this is going to help me to stay more quiet and try to not hurt myself.»
This is a point Santander kept coming back to. While he said he's more worried than frustrated understanding that injuries are a part of the game, he plays he's stretching to find the positive in this, which isn't surprising given the personality that has made him beloved across the league.
It does sound like this runs counter to Santander's strengths, though.
«I always swing hard,» Santander said, cracking a smile. "When I'm struggling and swing hard, I don't make good contact, so this is going to help me be more calm, be more straight to the ball and put the ball in play.»
While this is a positive from the negative, Santander has always been at his best when he's hitting for power. In arguably his best season last year, Santander hit just .235 with a .308 on-base percentage, but more than balanced that out by launching 44 home runs.
Big swings, even if they leave some empty at-bats in between, are part of what's made Santander a great hitter.
One positive, without argument, is that Santander feels his approach is getting back to where it needs to be, which is crucial for a «rhythm» hitter, like Santander always describes himself.
«When you're struggling a little bit, you chase too much,» Santander said. «I've been chasing a lot, so I've just tried to slow it down and square myself. I know they're just going to throw me pitches on the edges of the zone. I've been able to be more relaxed my last few at-bats. I'm able to be on time and see the ball much better.»
We know that Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s big days will come.
The supporting cast will have their moments, too, but a reliable heart of the order is the key to consistency here, making Santander more important than even when the season began.
Source: MLB.com
Previously on Blue Jays Central
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MAI 27 | 135 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Anthony Santander is traditionally a slow starter but there's no time left for patience Do you think Anthony Santander when healthy can turn things around and contribute offensively? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 69.6 % |
| No | 41 | 30.4 % |
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