Anthony Santander on making his major league debut

Anthony Santander, a 22-year-old Orioles outfielder from Venezuela, will make his major league debut tonight, weather permitting. He is batting seventh in right field against Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney.

Santander's path to Camden Yards came via Single-A Lynchburg of the Carolina League last season. Then the Orioles selected him in the Rule 5 draft in December from Cleveland. He was on the disabled list all this year with a strained right forearm. He ended a 20-day rehab assignment earlier this week. Over 15 games with Double-A Bowie, he hit .380/.458/.780 with five doubles, five homers and 14 RBIs. He went 2-for-5 Monday with Single-A Frederick.

"I'm very excited, I hope you guys can see it in my smile," Santander said this afternoon through translator Ramon Alarcon. "Thankful to God for this opportunity and for the team.

"A little bit surprised, of course (to be in the lineup right away), but very happy for this opportunity and trying to take advantage of this chance."

Last year with Lynchburg, Santander hit .290/.368/.494 with 42 doubles, 20 home runs, 90 runs scored, 95 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 128 games. In 2016, he was selected as a Carolina League postseason All-Star after leading the league in extra-base hits (62) and doubles.

He began his rehab with Bowie July 27 and went 9-for-13 (.692) with four doubles, two homers and seven RBIs his first five games.

"Bowie was a great experience," Santander said. "Had been a while since I played a live game, so I just tried to take advantage of that situation and will try to bring that over to this level.

Santander was asked what he feels he can add to the team?

"My work ethic. Playing hard every single day. Trying to give the best out of me every day, in the defense and offense. If given the opportunity, just want to demonstrate that I can be here," he said.

Santander got some at-bats in spring training, but he wasn't cleared to throw yet or play on defense. That just came during his rehab assignment. But he said his arm is doing well.

"It is ready to play. I'm ready to go and give it my best. Pretty close to 100 percent and just demonstrate that I can help."

Of course he can probably expect there to be some nerves when he takes the field for the first time in the big leagues.

"I definitely feel excited and there are a whole lot of emotions going on. But happy to be here and to contribute to the team," Santander said.