Despite being with four teams over the past four years, Eniel de los Santos didn’t expect to be moved to a fifth team before the July 30 trade deadline.
But just four days after the deadline, he joined the Yankees in a trade with San Diego.
“I was surprised,” the 28-year-old said before pitching one scoreless inning in Friday’s 8-5 loss to the Blue Jays. “I don’t know where my next game is going to be. [team].”
De los Santos, a former player with the Padres, Guardians, Pirates and Phillies, believes it will feel special to wear the Yankees’ iconic home uniform, which he received on Friday for the first time since moving to the West Coast.
“In baseball, we talk about the Yankees franchise and its history, and I’ve seen a lot of Yankees-Red Sox games,” the right-hander said, “and I’m very fortunate and happy to have the opportunity to put on the pinstripes today.”
He wasn’t as highly rated as other loanees like Jason Adam and Tanner Scott (both to the Padres), but the Yankees are excited to see how De Los Santos fits into their relief corps.
“I think adding him really adds depth to our roster,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Just a good pitcher. Jake Cousins is going to be a tough opponent for a right-handed pitcher, too. Hopefully we can get him in a good match.”
De los Santos joined a relief corps that ranks 21st in major league ERA since June 1 and entered Friday’s game 21st in strikeouts this season.
The Dominican Republic native is open to whatever course Boone and the Yankees deem best.
“At the end of the day, it all comes down to what they want from me, whatever the situation,” de los Santos said. “I’m going to give it my all and be ready to make a positive impact out there.”
De los Santos appeared in 44 games with the Padres and posted a 4.46 ERA and 4.41 expected ERA, but allowed a .296 on-base percentage and .777 OPS against right-handed pitchers compared to a .346 on-base percentage and .1.012 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
Another aspect of De Los Santos’ game that may bode well is his strikeouts.
The relief pitcher ranks in the 92nd percentile in strikeout rate and 85th percentile in strikeouts, erasing 28.2 percent of opposing batters by striking out.
The Yankees and pitching coach Matt Blake have built a reputation for accurately identifying quality pitches from lesser-known relievers such as Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver and Michael Tonkin.
The team is counting on Delos Santos, who throws a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup, to be their next gem.
“Hopefully, by making little tweaks here and there, our guys can grow a little bit and get a little bit better,” Boone said.
