Mets left-hander Johan Santana departed his Thursday start against the Braves with a strained pectoral muscle.
The 31-year-old threw a bullpen session Sunday and reported feeling fine, but a decision won’t be made about his scheduled Tuesday appearance against the Nationals until he consults with team doctors later today.
Mets manager Jerry Manuel told the Associated Press that Santana will be scratched at any sign of any lingering pain or discomfort, which makes sense given that the club sits 13 games back in the National League East. There’s no point in risking serious injury.
Santana, 31, has a 10-9 record, a 2.98 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 29 starts this season. He’s fanned 144 batters and walked only 55 in 199 innings.