Johan Santana could face surgery on left shoulder
New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana has a "probable re-tear" of his left shoulder capsule, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson announced during a conference call on Thursday.
Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, was examined in New York this week, and an MRI revealed the tear. The news comes less than three years after Santana underwent surgery to repair the capsule in his throwing shoulder.
Alderson said that a second surgery is a "strong possibility." Such a procedure could end the 34-year-old's season, and possibly even his career.
Santana missed the 2011 season after his first shoulder surgery but returned to the Mets last season. He pitched the first no-hitter in team history on June 1, but his performance proceeded to spiral downward before he was placed on the disabled list in August. Santana finished 6-9 with a 4.85 ERA in 21 starts in 2012.
Santana is in the final year of a six-year, $137.5 million contract with the Mets. Alderson said the $31 million left on Santana's contract is not insured.
