Mets starter Johan Santana could miss the entire 2013 because of a re-tear in his left shoulder, General Manager Sandy Alderson announced Thursday during a conference call.
Santana, originally staying in Florida on the disabled list, flew to New York today where he was diagnosed with the new rip, Alderson said.
“Johan will remain in New York over the easter weekend to decide on the next steps,” he said. “A second surgery is a strong probability.”
The 34-year-old southpaw missed the entire 2011 season with the same injury, but returned for a shortened 2012 season in which he threw the team’s first-ever no hitter. After the June 1 spectacle however, Santana had a string of poor performances before he was shutdown in August.
Entering the final year of a large contract, Santana might have thrown his final pitch as a Met. His contract promises him $25.5 million this year with a $5.5 million buyout for next year.
Another surgery is an option, but there’s no time table on when that could happen or if the recovery time will be longer than in late 2010.
But there are still few facts known, including when the new tear started.
“We don’t know when this occurred,” Alderson said. “I think Johan would probably be the best person to shed some light on any time.”
Mets skipper Terry Collins said during spring training he was disappointed Santana did not show up at Port St. Lucie in pitching shape.
Alderson said the front office isn’t looking to trade for another starter at this point as they expected Santana to start on the DL.
“We had expected that Johan would be on the disabled list at the beginning of the season so our rotation has been set with that in mind,” he said. “We are not terribly deep right now with Santana out. On the other hand, we do feel that we have some not just depth in the system, but exceptional talent coming through the system.”
Zach Wheeler, projected to be one of the Amazin’s promising pitchers, will not be called up early in light of the news.
“When he’s ready, he’ll be here,” Alderson said. “But until that time we will address this situation and other needs in our rotation.”
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