Johan Santana Shut Down For Season

Johan Santana Shut Down For Season

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 Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana is being placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 18^th because of inflammation in his lower back.  Santana is not expected to pitch again this season according to General Manager Sandy Alderson.  Alderson is also adamant in saying that the shut down has nothing to do with Santana’s ankle or shoulder injuries he has suffered through this season.

“I’m very confident he’ll be back next season ready to go, hopefully in a stronger position coming into this season,” Alderson said.  “If you look back at this season and what we reasonably could’ve expected at the beginning of the year, he’s accomplished quite a lot.”

Santana’s back became a problem recently for him when it tightened up after his bullpen session on Monday afternoon.  Reoccurring back pain had been complained about by Santana since after his last start August 17^th against the Washington Nationals. 

Since throwing the first no hitter in Mets history June first and throwing a career high 134 pitches, Santana has compiled a 3-7 record with an 8.27 ERA in 10 starts, giving up six or more earned runs in his last five starts.

Right hander Collin McHugh will be promoted from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Santana.  McHugh, 25, has a 2-4 record with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Bison.  There had been rumors of Jenrry Mejia coming up for the start, but the Mets instead opted to go with McHugh.