Breaking News: Johan Santana Going To NY For MRI

As reported by David Lennon of Newsday,

Can’t say this was unexpected. Johan Santana will have his scheduled bullpen session in a matter of minutes. But when he is done, Santana will hop a plane to New York and be examined by team physician David Altchek tomorrow at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Those tests are expected to include an MRI.

GM Omar Minaya said the decision is a “precautionary” move and Santana is expected to return to Port St. Lucie on Monday night. That, of course, depends on how the doctor’s visit goes. Santana has been complaining of tightness in his left elbow and already has been scratched from two spring-training starts.

“With the off day, it makes sense just to get it looked at,” Minaya said. “Why not send him there and have him see the doctor.”

Only an hour ago, I posted about how late the Mets tend to react to player’s injuries. This might just be the worst case yet when you consider how critical Johan Santana is to the 2009 season.

By the way… We will be covering the Johan Santana situation extensively for the next 48 hours. As events unfold, we will post accordingly.