PORT ST. LUCIE — One mound session into spring training, Johan Santana’s left shoulder still appears intact.
The Mets ace had plenty of interested observers yesterday as he threw 25 pitches — his first mound work this spring after missing all of last year recovering from 2010 surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.
Manager Terry Collins, general manager Sandy Alderson and pitching coach Dan Warthen watched the session. Santana plans to repeat the process on Tuesday, barring any unusual soreness he might experience in the next few days.
“Overall, I felt much better than I felt last year,” said Santana, who made one minor league rehab start last summer before incurring a physical setback that ended his season.
Collins called yesterday a “huge first step” for Santana.
As the veteran lefty began warming up for his mound session, the Goodyear blimp passed overhead, en route to another destination, eliciting a laugh from Collins.
“Sandy, you don’t think this is a big day?” Collins shouted toward Alderson. “They are bringing the blimp in.”
But kidding aside, the manager said he liked what he saw from Santana.
“His mechanics are outstanding, and that starts with the fact his arm is healthy,” Collins said.
Santana’s command was especially sharp, according to Collins.
“He didn’t miss his target by this,” Collins said, holding his thumb and index finger about an inch apart.
Impressed by a slider he saw from Santana about halfway through the session, Collins yelled to the pitcher: “Save that one.”
The Mets remain cautiously optimistic Santana will be their Opening Day starter on April 5 at Citi Field.
“When I was hurt, I wasn’t able to finish — my mechanics were totally different,” Santana said. “Now I’m getting back to what I used to be, and that’s what I’m looking for, being able to get a delivery with no problems and let the ball do everything.”
Santana said how he feels today will be a strong indicator of how far he has come.
“When you’re in the game, you throw at least 100 pitches. [Yesterday,] I threw 25,” Santana said. “It’s something I have to build up. [Today] is definitely an important day, and we’ll see how I recover from it. I’m just going out there doing like I always do, that’s the way I am.
“I always like to give some effort and see how it feels, but I’m not afraid of anything. I’m actually excited about being out on the mound, and being able to start competing.”
Collins said the Mets will handle Santana this spring in much the same manner Carlos Beltran was treated last year in his comeback from knee problems. That will mean allowing the player to largely dictate his schedule.
“You saw the smile on [Santana’s] face — you don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on?” Collins said. “It’s a huge step for us, a big day for him and now let’s just gradually move forward.”