Ervin Santana/John J. Kim (Chicago Tribune)

The New York Mets have signed veteran starter Ervin Santana to a minor league deal, and he will be reporting to Port St. Lucie, which is the Mets Spring Training home.

Santana last pitched for the Chicago White Sox on April 24. In his three starts this season, he is 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA, 1.875 WHIP, and a 0.83 K/BB. This follows a down 2018 season where he was 0-1 with an 8.03 ERA, 1.622 WHIP, and a 1.78 K/BB in five starts for the Minnesota Twins.

As noted by MMN‘s Christopher Soto, Santana has not been the same pitcher since he underwent surgery for a capsular release/debridement on right middle finger to remove a built up calcium deposit. Since that time, he has lost velocity and spin on his fastball.

In his 15 year career, Santana is a two time All-Star who is 149-127 with a 4.09 ERA, 1.272 WHIP, and a 2.55 K/BB.

With the Mets having called Drew Gagnon and Hector Santiago up to the majors, the team needs more starting pitching depth in the minors. With that being the case, Santana could have an opportunity to continue to rehabilitate, strengthen his arm, and have the ability to reestablish himself.