Sergio Santos (Photo Credit: Getty Images, By: Jonathan Daniel)
From Hit and Run
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(WSCR) Matt Thornton is salvaging his season after a rough start, he has a 3.45 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched and has recorded 10 holds.
While he’s done a pretty good job of holding games for Sergio Santos, he started 2011 as the team’s closer. After struggling early on he was pulled from that role. And as any good teammates would, Thornton has no problem watching Santos fill the role that was once his.
“It’s not tough at all, Thornton said on Hit and Run. “Sergio Santos earned that, I mean, my little hiccup in the first month and, you know, that’s the way it has to go, that’s the game of baseball.”
On the season, Santos has a 2.93 ERA and has converted 18 of 20 save opportunities.
“Sergio Santos is one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball right now, the way he’s been throwing,” Thornton said. “You know, he had his little hiccup, you know, a few weeks ago, but he’s bounced back from it and has been absolutely lights out since then.
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“So there’s no doubt about it, I’m pulling for whoever on our team to close games. You know, we have a great bullpen. And for me, you know, that situation, the way it happened, so be it. I’m a grown man, I can take it. You know, a role is a role, not a big deal. I’m going to get saves throughout the year. So, if I have to pick them up here or there for Sergio when he’s down, hey, so be it.
“He was so hot at the time, and I was struggling so much, that’s an easy decision, I think, for a manager to make.”
