Boston Red Sox: Danny Santana debut sparks blast of energy

It was just another night at the ballpark for the Boston Red Sox in the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.

You know, send the fifth starter to the mound against the opposing team’s ace and win the game 11-3.

That’s exactly how the story went in the team’s 11-3 win over the Phillies as Martin Perez once again turned in a solid performance and the Red Sox bats led by early MVP candidate Rafael Devers and newcomer Danny Santana sparked the offense in getting to Phillies ace Aaron Nola.

Talk about Nick Pivetta and Garrett Richards all you want, but Perez has quietly become one of the reasons the Red Sox sit at 28-18 and atop the AL East.

Over his last five starts, he has a 2.22 ERA and really giving the team a chance to win games from the No. 5 spot.  With a lack of run production being the main reason, he is just 2-2 this season, he did not have that problem Friday night.

Boston Red Sox offense sparked by  energy of Danny Santana

The Red Sox bats were alive and battling Nola, and the man who was just called up from Triple A, quickly put his stamp on the game with his go-ahead homer that really sparked the rest of the offense.

With the way the Red Sox season has been going, of course a player comes up and makes a contribution in his debut.

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"“He said he was a little bit nervous before his first at-bat, during his first at-bat,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said following the game, via MLB.  “And I said, ‘Well you’re only human.  That’s part of what we do and if you don’t feel nervous at this level there’s something wrong with you.  We all feel that way on a daily basis.’  He put a good swing on [the homer].  That’s what he brings.  He can hit the ball out of the ballpark, we’re very excited that he’s with us and I know he’s going to help us.”"

Have the Boston Red Sox found their leadoff man

Obviously, one game doesn’t solve the team’s questions at the leadoff spot, but with a combination of speed and power, Danny Santana could take advantage of an opportunity and be the answer the team has been looking for.

Finally healthy after dealing with a torn ligament in his right elbow, which sidelined him in 2020, Santana is coming off a breakout season in 2019.  In that season with the Texas Rangers, he hit .283 with 28 homers and 81 RBIs.

As a switch hitter with speed, power and versatility defensively, Cora could find creative ways to get him in the lineup if the 30-year-old veteran shows indication that he is back to the hitter he was in that 2019 season.

That would be awesome for this Red Sox team and a player who has worked himself back and ready to produce at the Major League level again.

"“It was a lot of work,” Santana said prior to the game.  “Sometimes I was sitting home frustrated because I couldn’t play.  I watched my teammates and the whole team was playing, and I am just sitting at home, watching TV and seeing them play.  It made me feel bad.  Now I’m really happy.  I got a new opportunity and I’m going to enjoy it.”"

Boston Red Sox fans certainly enjoyed that fifth inning homer Friday night and just maybe Danny Santana will add another surprising element to a 2021 season that has already been very enjoyable as a baseball fan.