Santander Breaks Through For Indians

CLEVELANDThe bats of first baseman Bobby Bradley and catcher Francisco Mejiahave gotten most of the attention at high Class A Lynchburg, but outfielder Anthony Santander should not be overlooked.

The switch-hitting Santander is hitting for a higher average than Bradley, and for more power than Mejia.

“When you talk to our coaches, they talk about how Anthony just looks ‘hitterish,'” farm director Carter Hawkins said. “It’s kind of one of those ‘you know it when you see it’ things, but watching Santa hit is as good a definition as any.”

Santander and Bradley provide a lethal power punch in the Hillcats’ lineup. Bradley led the Carolina League with 25 home runs through 111 games, while Santander ranked fourth in the league with 17 homers, while batting .281/.361/.475 in 109 games.

“Anthony is a physical guy who just looks comfortable in the box and can do damage to the baseball,” Hawkins said. “This is the first year he’s really been healthy for a full season, and it’s been fun to watch him be able to get into a groove.”

The 21-year-old Santander, a native of Venezuela, signed in 2011. He missed time in 2013 and 2014 with an elbow injury, but he’s now healthy, and very productive.

Santander spent most of last season at low Class A Lake County, batting .278/.337/.464 with 10 homers, 16 doubles and 42 RBIs in 64 games.

This year Santander ranks among the Carolina League leaders in doubles (32), home runs, RBIs (86), slugging (.475) and total bases (203).

Standing 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Santander profiles as a corner outfielder, but he has also seen some action at first base.

“We’ve played him mostly in left field (at Lynchburg), but he’s shown some ability to pick it over at first base as well,” Hawkins said. “Overall it’s been a really encouraging year for Anthony and a great season to build on going forward.”

SMOKE SIGNALS

After going 0-for-3 with a walk on Aug. 14, Mejia’s hitting streak ended at 50 games. It was the first time Mejia had gone hitless in a game since May 25. His steak was the longest in the minors since Waco’s Roman Mejias hit in 55 straight in the 1954 Big State League.

The Indians acquired lefthanded reliever Colt Hynes from the Blue Jays in a cash transaction and assigned him to Triple-A Columbus. They also claimed utility infielder Michael Martinez on waivers from the Red Sox.