Several sources are now confirming that Johan Santana will be skipped from Friday’s scheduled start because of a tender elbow.
Ben Shpigel writes:
Johan Santana, scheduled to pitch two innings in a “B” game against Team Italy tomorrow, has been scratched because of a tender elbow that Jerry Manuel said pops up from time to time. Citing the length of spring training, Manuel said they didn’t want to take any chances.
“If this was the regular season, he would pitch,” Manuel said.
Santana was supposed to make his first Grapefruit League start Tuesday but Manuel said they will re-evaluate him in the coming days and make a decision later.
I don’t believe this is anything to worry about from the sound of it, but I’m sure glad Santana isn’t off to the WBC. As long as he’s with the Mets, I’m certain they will do what needs to be done to keep Santana healthy and ready to start the season.
