Toronto Blue Jays Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Johan Santana

The Toronto Blue Jays signed left-handed pitcher Johan Santana to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training.

“I’m always positive about everything that I do and the way I think,” Santana said to Yahoo Sports. “I never gave up. Last year, I was close and everything was good. Unfortunately, something else happened that had nothing to do with my arm. Now, I have to bounce back.”

The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner has not appeared in a Major League game since 2012 due to a torn anterior capsule in his pitching shoulder that occurred in 2013 as a member of the New York Mets. The 35 year old native of Tovar, Venezuela has a career record of 139-78 with an ERA of 3.20 over 360 games (284 starts) with 15 complete games (10 shutouts) in a career spanning 12 Major League seasons (Minnesota Twins, 2000-2007 and the New York Mets, 2008-2012).

“He’s certainly a competitive guy and believes in himself,” general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. “We certainly believe there’s a lot left. It’s just a matter to get him right, get him strong and see how and when he can impact us.”

In related news, the Blue Jays signed Dayan Viciedo to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training.

[Photo Credit: Source]

Toronto Blue Jays Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Johan Santana