A year after being named the starting first basemen in the All-Star game, Indians’ first baseman Carlos Santana has struggled mightily.
Santana is slashing just .199/.361/.310 with five home runs and 23 RBI’s. This comes after he slashed .281/.397/.515 with 34 home runs and 93 RBI’s. In his last 15 games, the veteran is slashing a woeful .170/.302/.264 with just one homer and six RBI’s.
While Santana’s on-base percentage is still respectful, this is due to his always impressive ability to draw walks at a high rate as he ranks first in the majors with 43 base on balls.
However, Santana’s power and run production has taken a clear drop off. With the Indians offense needing someone to step up during their final playoff push, the 34-year old veteran seems like the perfect candidate to breakthrough.
As a veteran player who has played in the postseason three times, including in the World Series, Santana has experience of playing in a pennant race and rising up to the occasion when needed.
Santana has also been through the highs and lows of an MLB season and, when on his game, gets on base and knocks the ball out of the ballpark as much as anyone in the majors.
Thus, look for the veteran to breakthrough and help get the Indians offense into a rhythm over the final 10 games.