Johan Santana's Next Rehab Outing Likely Pushed Back
NEW YORK (AP) — Johan Santana's next minor league rehab start is likely to be pushed back a day because the New York Mets ace didn't feel as strong as he would like during his latest side session.
Santana pitched three scoreless innings Thursday for Class-A St. Lucie in his first rehab outing since shoulder surgery last September. The left-hander threw 26 of 33 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits against the Daytona Cubs.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Santana threw on the side Monday, but didn't feel great. So the team plans to move his next scheduled appearance with St. Lucie from Wednesday to Thursday.
Alderson said there's no reason to rush Santana's recovery, and the team will know Tuesday if there is any further change to the pitcher's schedule.
Santana felt no pain, his arm just didn't feel as strong as he hoped, Alderson explained.
Santana hopes to pitch for the Mets before the season is over. If he has no major setbacks, the two-time Cy Young Award winner could return by the end of August.
NOTES: Alderson said 1B Ike Davis (left ankle) will continue running in Arizona as part of his rehabilitation program and the club will know more by the end of the week about his status. Davis has been out since May 11 and could need season-ending surgery. ... Alderson said reliever Taylor Buchholz probably will not return this season. The right-hander is being treated for depression and anxiety. ... RHP Bobby Parnell said his ankle was sore, but he was available out of the bullpen. He said he would pitch with the ankle wrapped.
