Jul
29
2011

Johan Santana Sharp In Rehab Start

An article by Hojo's Mojo

Johan Santana was back on the mound for the first time in almost 11 months Thursday night and looked solid for three innings.

Originally slated to throw 45 pitches, the New York Mets left-hander threw 33 pitches — 26 for strikes — to get through the three innings against the Daytona Cubs. He allowed two hits, struck out three and hit a batter.

“I felt good,” Santana said. “It’s my first time actually in a real game where I have to throw all my pitches and actually get a hitter out. But it worked out pretty good. I felt that all my pitches were there. I mean, I was able to throw them without any problems. That’s what I’m looking for. I was very pleased with the way everything ended up today.”

Santana has made remarkable progress during his rehab. His last start was Sept. 2, 2010, against Atlanta, two weeks later he had surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.

He began his spring training approximately two weeks ago and threw 42 pitches in a simulated game in Port St. Lucie last week before throwing 45 more pitches in a bullpen session last Sunday. Santana was scheduled to throw 45 pitches last night, but rehab coordinator Randy Niemann decided not to send him out for the fourth inning – choosing instead not to push it and to wrap things up on a high note. It was a good call.

“I was happy to see him be able to go through all three innings and maintain his velocity,” Niemann said. “I think there was a little bit of a dip in the last inning which wasn’t a concern. The fact that he came out tonight, I thought he did a decent job.”

Santana’s fastball was clocked at 89-90 mph, which was a little bit higher than anyone expected.

The Mets will now wait it out and see how Johan’s shoulder responds today and tomorrow and if all goes well, he’ll make another start for St. Lucie on August 3.

Terry Collins said he fully expects to have Johan Santana back in the Mets rotation by last August, and it certainly looks like that’s going to happen.

This has gone better than anyone expected, and to be back in the majors in less than 12 months after that kind of surgery would be a phenomenal success.

About the Author: Rob Johnson

9 Comments + Add Comment

alex68 July 29, 2011 at 7:37 am

can you imagine if we get him for the august and september stretch?? oooohhhhh, let’s go mets!!!!!!!
- Mr North Jersey July 29, 2011 at 10:42 am
  
  Someone else pointed out to me to notice at around the 1:35 mark another Mets prospect Cory Vaughn makes a cameo with a throw from RF to 3rd base trying to get a runner.
  
  It’s about time that SNY and MLB started including the embed code in some of their videos. Now if they could only include it on all videos.
Des July 29, 2011 at 8:17 am

I’m happy for Johan the Warrior. But let’s be realistic.

Rehab coordinator Randy Niemann sees a “big gap” between Santana then and now. “Physically his shoulder is not ready.”
- alex68 July 29, 2011 at 8:26 am
  
  des, is ok since is you saying that, had that been me, war in MMO.. don’t you think i know that.. i said “can you imagine???”"???
- Pete July 29, 2011 at 9:02 am
  
  This was a very serious surgery that he is trying to come back from. No pitcher has ever pitched in a MLB game, who has undergone this type of operation before tonite, when Wang will start against the Mets. But it has taken him two full years to get back to where he can pitch. Let’s hope Johan is a totally different story, and that he can not only pitch, but pitch effectively. Just for the sake of argument, if he does come back in a few weeks and our five starters are still pitching well, who do you send to the pen, or trade? If it happens, it’s going to be a tough call for TC.
  - alex68 July 29, 2011 at 9:54 am
    
    CAPUANO OR PELFREY are gone.. capuano at home pitches well, and pelfrey showed flashes of when he was good, maybe he grows a pair and start pitching instead of thinking while on the mound!!
    - Des July 29, 2011 at 11:47 am
      
      Alex, you bit at the bait. With Johan’s medical history, would you consider keeping a full staff as insurance? Why should we think that Johan (or anyone else on the starting staff) won’t have another severe injury?
gary s. July 29, 2011 at 10:45 am

If the mets are smart and santana shows anything in an august start or 2, they should try and trade him.I think he is on the hook for a combined 50 mill for 2012 and 2013.Way too much to spend on a guy with his injury record.
Johan’s Return: An Unscientific Prediction « Kings Of Queens July 29, 2011 at 5:09 pm

[...] all the reports (and there have been plenty) it seems as though Johan’s rehab is off to a good start. It would be [...]

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	24	18	.571	-
Nationals	23	20	.535	1.5
Phillies	20	23	.465	4.5
Mets	16	24	.400	7.0
Marlins	11	32	.256	13.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!