masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJohan Santana made what’s expected to be his final start today at extended spring training, throwing 76 pitches in 4 1/3 innings.

The Orioles wanted to stretch out Santana to 75 pitches or five innings.

The left-hander allowed two runs and six hits, walked none and struck out eight. His fastball was clocked at 86-88 mph, his changeup at 72-78 mph and his slider at 77-81 mph.

The Orioles want Santana to keep about a 10 mph difference between his fastball and changeup.

Santana has an opt-out…Johan Santana made what’s expected to be his final start today at extended spring training, throwing 76 pitches in 4 1/3 innings.

The Orioles wanted to stretch out Santana to 75 pitches or five innings.

The left-hander allowed two runs and six hits, walked none and struck out eight. His fastball was clocked at 86-88 mph, his changeup at 72-78 mph and his slider at 77-81 mph.

The Orioles want Santana to keep about a 10 mph difference between his fastball and changeup.

Santana has an opt-out clause in his contract at the end of the month, However, the Orioles could convince him to push it back so they can assign him to one of their affiliates.

It wouldn’t be an injury-rehab assignment, since Santana signed a minor league contract during spring training.