Baltimore Orioles Slugger Anthony Santander Sets Major Career Milestone With Home Run
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander has passed the century mark.
The slugger launched his 100th career home run in the first inning of Sunday's series finale against the Miami Marlins. Santander finished the game 1-for-3 with two RBI and a walk, playing a key part in the Orioles' 5-4 win over the Marlins.
Santander made his major league debut at 22 years old in 2017.
It took until 2019 before Santander was a more regular member of the lineup. Even though he only appeared in 93 games as Baltimore's fourth outfielder, he still jacked 20 bombs.
The COVID-shortened 2020 season also cost Santander some games as he attempted to break out in his mid-20s, and he was still largely a rotational outfielder in 2021.
In 2022, Santander finally became an everyday player, and he made the most of the opportunity by recording 33 home runs and 88 RBI.
Santander now has 17 homers and 54 RBI through 88 appearances in 2023. The 28-year-old from Venezuela has boosted his batting average from .240 to .275, and his OPS from .773 to 847.
Following their latest victory, the Orioles are officially riding an eight-game winning streak.
The team is sitting at 57-35, which puts them 1.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. The Orioles currently own the top AL Wild Card spot.
Baltimore's next series against the Los Angeles Dodgers starts Monday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
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