As if the Mets' season couldn't get any worse, ace Johan Santana may be facing season-ending surgery.
Santana was scheduled to pitch against the Marlins on Tuesday but will instead get his left elbow evaluated. According to manager Jerry Manuel, this problem began to develop before the All-Star break. Earlier this year, the lefty's spring training was delayed due to discomfort in the same elbow.
"I don't think anyone expects good news," said Mike Pelfrey, Santana's fellow starter.
Marty Noble of MLB.com reports:
"Manuel acknowledged being 'terribly concerned,' that Santana had experienced pain in the elbow in recent starts though 'not at this level,' the level he experienced in his most recent start, Thursday against the Braves. The manager also indicated Santana had not done normal between-starts throwing for an extended period."
