Southern Illinois brings in former 2nd round pick, Dodger farmhand to add to outfield
Marion, IL (February 20, 2019) – The Southern Illinois Miners announce that they have signed outfielder/infielder Alex Santana for the upcoming 2019 season.
Originally from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, Santana was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school, and played five seasons in their system. He batted .251 with 14 doubles, nine homers and 48 RBIs in 90 games between Single-A Great Lakes and Rookie-level Ogden in 2015, his last season with the Dodgers, and hit .241 the previous year at Great Lakes with 20 doubles, 13 stolen bases in 18 attempts, three home runs and 27 RBIs across 111 games.
Santana also played in 14 games with the Eastside Diamond Hoppers in the United Shore Professional Basball League in 2016, his most-recent stateside action before returning to play in the Dominican Republic. The 6’4” Santana, who has played both the outfield and infield as a professional, is the son of former major league shortstop Rafael Santana, who played all or parts of seven years in the big leagues from 1983-90 for the Cardinals, Mets, Yankees and Indians, and won a World Series title in 1986 as the Mets’ everyday shortstop.
“Alex is coming in with some experience in the Dodger organization and with a big league pedigree,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “His early-round draft selection came from a lot of tools he possesses in playing the game. He brings some pop in his bat, as well as strong flexibility in his ability any of the corner infield or outfield positions.”
Be sure to follow the Miners online at southernillinoisminers.com and on social media as they prepare for the 2019 season!
