Twins option Alex Meyer to Triple-A to open roster spot for Ervin Santana

The Minnesota Twins are set to add right-hander Ervin Santana to their 25-man roster following an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use.

Santana, an All-Star in 2010, signed a four-year, $55-million deal with the Twins in December, but landed an 80-game ban after testing positive for Stanozolol during spring training. The 32-year-old is expected to make his season debut Sunday at Kauffman Stadium following three strong starts for Triple-A Rochester.

“He looked good,” Aaron Hicks told the Star-Tribune of Santana. “He was throwing everything for strikes, definitely pounding the zone. I had a really good view [from center field]. I was enjoying it.”

To clear a spot for Santana on the 25-man roster, though, the Twins optioned Alex Meyer back to Rochester following Friday's 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Recalled in late June, the 25-year-old right-hander made two relief appearances for Minnesota, allowing five earned runs on four hits - including two home runs - and three walks over 2 2/3 innings before being sent down Friday.

"I think he learned from his two appearances on the mound," manager Paul Molitor told MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. "The kid has a great attitude. He still has a very bright future."