Mets' Alderson: Johan Santana Experiences 'Soreness' In Rehab
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Johan Santana has not thrown off a mound since experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired left shoulder 10 days ago, when the Mets ace ramped up the intensity of his workouts.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Monday before New York's 3-1 loss to the Pirates that Santana is playing long-toss on flat ground and he hopes to get back a mound later this week.
"In talking with the rehab coordinator, he's progressed extremely well," Alderson said. "But once the intensity cranks up it wouldn't be surprising that there'd be some soreness. He's reported improvement but he did experience soreness."
Santana had surgery in September and the Mets are being careful with his rehabilitation. Alderson says this will not necessarily push back his return.
"We're looking at Johan long-term here, not short-term," Alderson said. "He's got to be right."
The Mets are waiting for Santana to get to the point physically where he would be if he was about to start spring training before allowing him to progress.
"We are not yet at the equivalent of the 14th of February," Alderson said. "He threw on June 3 with some greater intensity than he had before, experienced some soreness and has been long-tossing since then. We don't expect him to throw off the mound until later this week. Once he's throwing off the mound he needs to do it more than once without discomfort for us to feel that we're at February 14th."
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