Santana progressing well; Mets believe he'll be ready
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Johan Santana and the New York Mets were amply pleased with his latest outing.
The left-hander who missed the entire season last year after shoulder surgery pitched 22/3 innings without allowing an unearned run Sunday in the Mets' rain-shortened, 4-2 loss to the Miami Marlins.
"We're still building up pitches," Santana said. "I think once we get 80 to 90 pitches and do it every five days, that's when we'll say we're good."
The start was the second in exhibition play this spring for Santana. The two-time Cy Young winner had surgery in September 2010 and briefly pitched in the minors last year.
Santana gave up two hits and an unearned run in his 42-pitch outing, walking two and striking out one. The run against him came in the third after an error by third baseman Ronny Cedeno.
"I truly believe we're going to do this right and that Johan Santana will be on this team opening day," Mets manager Terry Collins said.
Also, ailing Mets third baseman David Wright will return to New York to have his sore rib cage examined. Collins said Wright would be out for at least another week.
Chicago signed left-hander Gerardo Concepcion to a five-year deal worth a guaranteed $6 million. The Cuban defector will receive a $3 million signing bonus, and the rest of the $3 million will be spread over the length of the deal.
Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was hit on the left wrist by a pitch, but X-rays showed no broken bones and his status is day to day.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Kendrys Morales might make his spring debut this week and he expects the first-baseman-designated hitter to "absolutely" be ready for opening day.
Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes went hitless in his second game of the spring for the Athletics, who overcame Eric Hosmer's home run and four RBIs to beat the Royals, 10-8. ... Yovani Gallardo pitched 31/3 scoreless innings and the Brewers beat the Rockies, 5-4. ... Vernon Wells and Mark Trumbo hit consecutive homers in Los Angeles' six-run fifth inning and the Angels finished with 20 hits in a 17-2 victory against the Indians. ... Third baseman Evan Longoria and designated hitter Luke Scott made their spring debuts in the Ray's 4-3 win against the Pirates.
First Published March 12, 2012 12:00 am
