Jul
26
2011

Johan To Pitch Thursday For St. Lucie

An article by Joe D

The Mets have just reported that injured ace Johan Santana, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will make his first rehab start with St. Lucie this Thursday.

Santana is expected to throw about 45 pitches and a detrmination as to another start will be made after they see how his shoulder responds in the days following. It will be his first time pitching in a real game in just over ten months.

If things progress without any setbacks, Santana could return to the Mets rotation sometime in late August.

Johan still has $55 million dollars remaining on his contract through 2013. The Mets hold an option for 2014 with a $5.5 million dollar buyout.

Lets keep our fingers crossed that Johan can get the most out of his start and more importantly that he does respond well and suffers no setbacks. We obviously still have a lot of money riding on his arm and heaven knows we surely need him back in the rotation.

That said, I’m not that keen on rushing him back just so he can pitch in some meaningless games in September. As I’ve stated before, I do believe it’s important for Johan to pitch for the Mets at some point this season even if it’s just a couple of starts.

It would provide the team with a huge psychological boost going into the offseason and looking forward to 2012.

Good luck on Thursday, El Gocho!

About the Author: Joe DeCaro

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

10 Comments + Add Comment

Des July 26, 2011 at 8:24 pm

From a bullpen session, the Mets are in a position to know how well Johan is doing. He doesn’t need a Class A start, unless the Mets harbor plans to bring him back this year. In my opinion that would be a mistake.

Omar would play him in this situation but I hope Sandy reconsiders. This Class A game means diddly squat.
Satish Ram July 26, 2011 at 10:00 pm

I wouldn’t play him until next year. Let him take the rest of the year to rehab but I do want to keep track of velocity and pitch break in this A game.
Connor July 26, 2011 at 10:20 pm

I hope he comes back and gets a few starts, even if it means rushing him a little. Mets fans need to know that their future with Johan is secure and that he’s ready to go in 2012.
- any July 26, 2011 at 11:15 pm
  
  Chris Young certainly proved that last September!
alex68 July 27, 2011 at 7:30 am

i tought the same thing, but i think what it does is let the mets know where they stand in terms of pitching next year, if somehow he pitches well. then they don’t have to go after pitching next year, if he doesn’t, they will have to add a bonafide starter to this staff. although, with the money situtation being tight, the F/O is probably praying they won’t have to add any more money to payroll in pitching while paying santana 23 million per year.
- Kay July 27, 2011 at 7:51 am
  
  I agree that we should see him so we know how the team stands, but we ALWAYS need to go after pitching.
  
  Let me ask nicely, what is the obsession with the F/O not WANTING to spend money, what proof do you have? Give me REAL specific answers please. Huge difference between spending wisely and cheaply. HUGE, may not be for everyone to understand but there is a difference.
  
  Free spending has not worked.
  - alex68 July 27, 2011 at 8:10 am
    
    is not free spending kay, but they made it clear, the will not invest money on free agency, don’t worry soon you may know!!
    - Kay July 27, 2011 at 12:03 pm
      
      WRONG – but what else is new? Last year when Alderson was here for 5 mins he said LAST year he had no intentions of landing a BIG Free Agent.
      
      I don’t worry, but am sick of your childish assumptions.
      
      Don’t tell me this club has not be free spending on crap the last few years……
      - alex68 July 27, 2011 at 12:05 pm
        
        yes they have kay.. so they no longer spend??
        
        Kay July 27, 2011 at 12:06 pm
        
        Show me a link that says the F/O will not spend any money in the upcoming off season.

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