Santander returns for Nats series opener

BALTIMORE -- One of the Orioles' top sluggers is back. On Friday, the team reinstated right fielder Anthony Santander from the injured list before their series opener against the Nationals. The O’s optioned rookie outfielder Ryan McKenna to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Inactive since April 20 due to a sprained left ankle, Santander completed a three-game rehab assignment Sunday at Double-A Bowie, going 4-for-12 with a home run and logging two games defensively in right field. He has been away from the team in COVID-19 re-entry protocol since.

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“He’s been a big part of our offense for the past few years,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “I can’t wait to get him back, and he’ll be in the middle of our order."

Healthy again, Santander returns to the big leagues almost a month to the day after rolling his ankle against the Marlins in Miami, an injury the club expected would sideline him for two to four weeks. Santander has emerged as one of the Orioles’ top run producers over the past two seasons, hitting .261 with 31 homers, 91 RBIs and an .807 OPS from 2019-20.

In his return to the lineup in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals, Santander went 1-for-4 with a second-inning single, one of four hits for the O's on the night.

He hit .196 with two homers and a .551 OPS in 16 games this season before the injury. Santander's return likely pushes DJ Stewart back into a bench role, giving Baltimore an everyday outfield alignment of Santander in right, Cedric Mullins in center and Austin Hays in left.

“The important thing now is that I’m back,” Santander said. “I heard of other injuries where the ankle actually breaks. Mine was just a severe sprain. I am very thankful to God and the training staff for doing their part to get me back on track.”