Baltimore Orioles: Complete Winter League Roundup

Outfielder Anthony Santander and recently signed reliever Gregory Infante have completed their Venezuelan winter league trips.

Recently signed to a minor league deal, RHP Gregory Infante is one of a few additions Mike Elias and staff have made to provide organizational depth to the roster. A 13-year veteran of professional baseball, Infante returned home to Venezuela to suit up for the Caribes de Anzoategui of the Venezuelan winter league, finding success as the team’s closer.

Infante logged 21 innings in 25 games, posting a 2-2 record, 3.86 ERA, and 11 saves. His K/BB ratio wasn’t very positive, finishing with 18 strikeouts and 13 walks, however, he didn’t allow a single home run over the course of the season.

Don’t be surprised to see a healthy dose of Infante in 2019, especially if he shows up strong during spring training.

One name I don’t anticipate seeing a lot of at Camden Yards is Anthony Santander. A former Rule 5 pick of the Orioles, Santander has hit just .214 in his 46 games at the major league level over the past two seasons. His time in the minors in 2018 didn’t fare much better, as Santander hit .249 with a .287 OBP across three levels.

The switch-hitting outfielder finished his Venezuelan stint strong, recording 11 hits over his final nine games, including five doubles and more walks than strikeouts. Overall, Santander hit .251 with 13 doubles, five home runs, and a .728 OPS in 183 at-bats.

There is still the possibility that a little stability helps Santander’s development. Since his required jump from High-A ball to the pros after the Rule 5 draft, Santander has experienced numerous injuries and played at four different levels of professional baseball in 2018. Perhaps his hot finish in Venezuela will carry over to a successful spring and consistent playing time in either Bowie or Norfolk. Playing time in the outfield will be hard to come by, meaning Santander will need to make a big impression early on.