Milwaukee Brewers: Should Domingo Santana Make The Playoff Roster?

The Milwaukee Brewers brought Domingo Santana back up to the big leagues after finding his swing in Triple-A. Has he done enough to warrant a spot on the playoff roster?

Late in the game on Sunday, Domingo Santana slugged his first big league home run since May 21st. It’s nice to see Domingo hitting homers on Sunday again, but will he get any opportunities in October?

Since getting called up at the beginning of September, Santana has only appeared in pinch-hit duty, which is a pretty good indicator of where he stands on the depth chart.

How Has Santana Played?

Prior to Santana’s demotion to Triple-A on June 23rd, he carried a .249/.313/.354 slash line with only three home runs, 17 RBIs, and 69 strikeouts. He had effectively been placed on the bench because of his poor play and the stronger play from Ryan Braun and Eric Thames.

In his 13 plate appearances since returning, Santana has five hits, including two doubles, and now a home run. He’s also only struck out twice, an important stat for him as his high strikeout rate was part of the reason he was demoted in the first place.

Even though he isn’t getting consistent playing time, outside of being a pinch hitter, Santana’s been able to provide some value for the Milwaukee Brewers. He owns a .416 batting average since returning to the big leagues.

Should Santana Make The Playoff Roster?

It’s an uphill battle for Santana. The Brewers have trusted veteran Curtis Granderson now on the roster, and Hernan Perez is another backup option that can play the outfield. Both figure to be on the postseason roster.

Keon Broxton is another option that Craig Counsell may choose over Santana. While Santana has a higher batting average, and technically speaking, is a more consistent hitter, Broxton brings other elements to the team.

Santana is known as a pretty poor defender in the outfield, and he’s not very fast on the basepaths either. Meanwhile, Keon Broxton is a great defender in the outfield, and he has blazing speed that could provide useful should the Brewers need a pinch runner.

Domingo Santana is not a pinch running option, nor is he a late-inning defensive replacement. Despite his improved approach at the plate in September, Santana should not and likely will not make the Milwaukee Brewers playoff roster.

It’s a season to forget for Santana, as he’s come crashing down after a 30 homer season last year. Now, he’s a bench player that won’t make the playoffs. His future in Milwaukee is murky at best.