Mets Pitcher Johan Santana Continues To Improve

This year has been a nightmare for Mets fans when it comes to injuries. David Wright missed about half the season with a back injury, Jose Reyes missed 2 weeks with a hamstring injury and Ike Davis has barely been seen around Citi Field since injuring his right ankle in May.

But yesterday, there was a small piece of good news for the Mets: ace Johan Santana looks ready to start a minor league rehab assignment. The left-hander threw a 45-pitch bullpen session at Sun Life Stadium in Miami before the Mets game against the Marlins. Afterwards, Santana declared he is ready to pitch in a minor league rehab game if he awakes on Monday feeling similarly good.

However, as Adam Rubin pointed out in his report for ESPNNewYork.com, it looks like Santana may be getting a little ahead of himself. Team general manager Sandy Alderson sent an email late Sunday that said, "The next outing for Johan will be in a controlled setting in Port St. Lucie."

Despite the apparent confusion between Alderson and Santana, it is obvious that the 32-year-old pitcher is continuing to show signs of improvement and he can't wait to get back with the team. Santana is recovering from surgery last September that repaired a torn anterior capsule in his left (throwing) shoulder.