Santana shows good velocity in spring game

ST. PETERSBURG -- Johan Santana, who threw two innings in an extended spring game on Monday, had a fastball that averaged 88 mph and Orioles manager Buck Showalter -- who was on hand to watch -- said that's similar to what he was throwing for his big league no-hitter.

Santana, who paired that with a 76-mph changeup, made his extended spring debut against the Twins and will throw again on Saturday as the veteran lefty moves closer and closer to being an option for the Orioles.

"Scotty was telling me, McGregor, that he's never seen a guy that can simulate game conditions on a side day like him ... he really gets something out of it," Showalter said of Santana, who has been on a five-day rotation in his rehab. "Regardless of if he pitches for us, he's been such a great influence on those guys."

Santana reported on Tuesday to be feeling good, which is a positive sign as a big part of his rehab in how he recovers. Signed to a Minor League deal by the O's in the offseason, Santana could be a rotation option by June.