June 20, 2009, New York Mets advance for Metro (NY) Newspaper
Santana ready to get back on track
Orioles 5, Mets 4
This time, it wasn’t a missed pop up that cost Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets’ closer blew a save the old-fashioned way last night, walking in the game-tying run and giving up a game-winning single to Aubrey Huff.
METRO
MLB. The Mets have yet to see Santana at his all-time best this season. Last time out, they certainly saw him at his worst.
Santana was torched for nine runs last Sunday in the Subway Series finale at Yankee Stadium.
His next start comes Saturday at Citi Field on national TV against the reigning American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. His velocity is of utmost concern, considering he’s the only reliable starter in the Mets’ rotation.
“I think I’m fine. You start the season with those numbers and everybody expects you to [continue] that way,” Santana said. “I’m trying, but it is not easy.”
Santana has 4-2 record in his last six starts with a 6.50 ERA. In that stretch, he’s allowed 11 walks and nine homers against 34 strikeouts.
“I think, at least the last two outings, it just looks like he’s left some pitches up. You leave pitches up and you [face] good hitting clubs, it’s going to cost you,” manager Jerry Manuel said.
Santana repeatedly said he’s not making excuses, but an injured back and split fingernail may be the cause of his current slump. It’s not a secret that the Mets need Santana to revert back to being the dominant ace as they face four division leaders and a wildcard leader over the next month.
“I’m trying to be consistent and that’s about it.”
posted by Denis P. Gorman at 10:38 AM
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