Santana feels "good" day after pectoral strain in Atlanta

Johan Santana’s next start remains in doubt, but the Mets’ ace tried to sound optimistic today when asked for an update on his strained left pectoral muscle. Santana was headed fro the trainer’s room this morning before he stopped to reply, “I’m good guys.”

During that exchange, Santana joked with pitching coach Dan Warthen, whom he blamed for taking him out of Thursday’s game in Atlanta after five innings and 65 pitches because of tightness in the shoulder area.

Santana swatted at Warten with a pair of socks that he held in his left hand, so maybe that was a positive sign. The Mets also chose to keep Santana with the team rather than send him back to New York for further tests, so that could be an indication the injury is not severe.

“From what I understand, it’s basically a strain, nothing that they think is serious,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “But we’ll know more as he participates in things tomorrow.”

Manuel expected Santana to play catch tomorrow, and maybe some long toss, before the Mets could determine his status for Tuesday in Washington. 

“In talking with him, he didn’t seem concerned, but that’s Johan,” Manuel said. “We have to really watch and see how he responds when he’s playing catch. That will be the telltale sign.”