'No-No' Issues For Johan Santana After Bullpen; Mets Ace Ready For Start In Subway Series
WASHINGTON (WFAN/AP) -- There should be some serious juice for this year's Subway Series with both teams in the thick of their divisional races.
And Johan Santana, fresh off twirling the first no-hitter in Mets history, will just add to the excitement when he takes the mound against the Yankees Friday night.
Santana said he agreed with Mets manager Terry Collins' decision to give him two extra days rest after last Friday's no-no.
He worked in the bullpen Tuesday before the Mets' agonizing 7-6 loss to the Washington Nationals and said he felt strong. The left-hander is less than two years removed from shoulder surgery.
"Everything was fine," Santana said. "I threw my bullpen. Nothing's different. I feel good. I'll be ready for Friday."
Collins said he spoke with Santana on Monday.
"He said: `I am fine. I'll pitch whenever you want me to pitch,' I thought the extra day would help," Collins said.
Santana was happy with how he came out of the 134-pitch effort, but appreciated Collins' concern.
"That extra day is always good," Santana said.
"I know my body very well, so I know if something is not right, I'll let him know. I'm not going to do anything crazy."
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg called Santana on Tuesday afternoon to congratulate him.
Santana also hadn't decided what items from the no-hitter to give the Baseball Hall of Fame. The baseball museum in Venezuela and the Mets have asked for memorabilia, too.
And of course, the ace wants to keep a few things for himself.
"Everything is special," he said. "Everything. I would love to keep everything."
Should Collins have Santana on a lower-than-usual pitch count Friday night? Sound off in the comments below...
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
