PITTSBURGH — Not so fast counting the days to the All-Star break and Johan Santana’s targeted return to the Mets.
Terry Collins on Friday said it’s more likely the Mets will have to wait until at least late July for their ace lefty’s return. Santana, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn capsule in his left shoulder, has been throwing off the mound in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but has not faced batters.
“Should we plan on [the All-Star break]? I don’t know if we should,” Collins said before the Mets opened a four-game series against the Pirates. “In a perfect world if everything continues at the pace that it is, it’s a realistic goal. But I’m probably looking more toward the end of July than the All-Star break.”
Collins said it’s possible Santana will come to Citi Field during the next homestand just for a change of scenery and the opportunity to throw a side session in front of the major-league staff.
The Mets are hopeful Santana will begin throwing batting practice by Tuesday or Wednesday. He would still need an extended minor league rehab assignment before joining the Mets.
Santana is signed through 2013 and owed $50.5 million for the next two seasons. That’s in addition to a $5.5 million buyout for 2014 if the Mets don’t exercise Santana’s $25 million option
Collins said he wants Santana at full strength before he joins the team.
“He’s going to be ready to go deep into a game,” Collins said. “We’re going to make sure we don’t have to give him an extra day before he does his sides. The future is too much for this guy to bring him up and have him be a part of it if he’s not ready.”
