Santana likely to rejoin Indians after concussion

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Indians catcher Carlos Santana will get at-bats in a minor league game, the next step in his return from a concussion.

Santana has not played since May 25, when he was struck in the mask by a foul tip during a game in Chicago. Santana was placed on Major League Baseball’s seven-day concussion list last week. He served as a designated hitter for Lake County (A) on Monday night against Fort Wayne.

Santana started 0-2, but blasted a 2-run home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning. He was subbed out as the game went to extra innings.

Santana caught a bullpen session and took batting practice on Sunday. Indians manager Manny Acta is optimistic Santana will be able to play Tuesday night when the Indians open a three-game series in Detroit. Santana must pass mandatory MLB tests before he can be cleared to play. Santana is batting .245 with five homers and 24 RBIs.