NEW YORK — Johan Santana needs surgery for bone chips in his left elbow and the star pitcher is out for the season, the latest blow to a Mets team battered by injuries.
The team said their 30-year-old ace is expected to be OK for spring training next year. He was examined Tuesday by Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek in New York.
“It’s not the worst,” Santana said. “Believe me, I’m going to be ready.”
The Mets also announced reliever J.J. Putz had a setback in his recovery from elbow surgery and will miss the rest of the season after an MRI revealed “some new fraying and a slight tear” in his right forearm. He will not need surgery and it is merely a preventative measure, the team said.
Santana said he had the same operation after the 2003 season, and came back with a career-high 20 wins and the first of his two Cy Young Awards for Minnesota.
“I know myself,” he said. “I’ve been through this before. I know exactly what it is.”
Mets general manager Omar Minaya said Santana was evaluated around the all-star break as his stats dipped, adding the injury worsened in recent weeks, especially after his last start.
“It’s mostly soreness,” Minaya said. “We all want to see Johan Santana pitching in September. But this is a smart move because we want to see him pitching for the long haul.”
Santana went 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 25 starts in his second year with the Mets.
