Injuries to Mark Trumbo and Colby Rasmus have forced the Orioles to make Anthony Santander an everyday player this season despite only a handful of games above Single-A.
Save for some rookie moments, Santander, the Rule 5 outfielder who entered 2018 with around seven weeks of his 25-man roster requirement left, has played steady defense. What’s lagged behind is the bat that had been his calling card. He's hitting .153/.194/.254 with a home run and three doubles in 18 games, 16 of which have been starts.
Manager Buck Showalter said the team hasn't soured on him despite the struggles, and that this could be a valuable moment in Santander's inconsistent career.