Mets hope Santana can rediscover sharpness

Now that the hype over the no-hitter has dissipated, it's time for the Mets to get Johan Santana fixed, and that process begins anew Tuesday night against the Orioles. In two starts since making history, Santana has been mediocre at best, allowing 10 earned runs in 10 innings, with five walks and 11 strikeouts.

Santana insists he's fine physically, just a little out of sorts with the location of his fastball and feel for his changeup. Some of that likely is due to his erratic pitching schedule, but now that he's back on a five-day turn, manager Terry Collins believes the problems are behind him.

"I think he's fine," Collins said. "[Pitching coach Dan Warthen] and Johan worked on some things in the bullpen after watching some film of the no-hitter . . . They made sure he was back to where he was, with his delivery where he was when he threw the no-hitter. They said his side [session on Sunday] was outstanding."

Trainer's room

Ruben Tejada was scheduled to begin another rehab assignment Monday night for Class A St. Lucie, and after so many stops and starts with his right quad strain, Collins wants to make sure they get it right this time. Tejada has been on the disabled list since May 7.

"I want to make sure first of all that his legs are in good shape," Collins said. "They forget about the wear-and-tear of playing every day up here. We're making some progress, but I want to make sure this guy's legs are in shape before he gets back here."

Collins also said Ronny Cedeño (strained calf) will not be back in a day or two, as initially was expected. Cedeño is 2-for-11 for Triple-A Buffalo, so the Mets want him to get more at-bats before returning.