With Johan Santana scuffling since returning from the disabled list, the New York Mets hoped their former ace could continue pitching in an effort to finish the season on a high note. They mapped out a plan for Santana to make at least one or two more starts on a strict limit of 75-80 pitches.
But before the Mets dropped a 6-2 decision to the Rockies on Tuesday, Santana underwent an MRI to determine whether back pain will force him to shut down for the season. The Mets are still evaluating the results and plan to announce their decision Wednesday.
“He has to be very, very happy he has gotten this far, which he is,” manager Terry Collins said of Santana’s first season back from left shoulder surgery. “Even though he isn’t pitching good right now, he is the first guy to stand up and talk about it. The one thing he is happy about: He is healthy.”
But Santana might not be completely healthy, which could force the Mets’ hand. Unwilling to push the lefty and risk further injury with the team out of contention, the Mets could place Santana on the disabled list, knowing he would have made only another start or two, anyway. Though Santana can still return at some point in September, an extra month of rest might be more beneficial to his surgically repaired shoulder than a few extra starts would be to his ego.
As a result, the Mets will likely turn Thursday to 25-year-old prospect Collin McHugh, who is 2-2 with a 2.45 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 19 walks over his last nine starts for Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets considered 22-year-old Jenrry Mejia for the assignment but passed him over in favor of McHugh.
McHugh will join the Mets before Wednesday’s game, making it easy for them to activate him Thursday if necessary.