Mets ace Johan Santana is progressing as planned in his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.
“The big lefty is going to be back before people think,” one Mets source told the Post.
ESPN.com reports the left-hander is making “firm” throws at 120 feet on flat ground. Pitching coach Dan Warthen would not set a date for Santana to return to the mound, but it is likely the next step in what has been a smooth rehab process.
Santana’s last start was a win against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 2, 2010. He underwent surgery Sept. 14 to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.
Santana is on track for a late-June, early-July return to game action.
In three seasons with the Mets, Santana is 40-25 with a 2.85 ERA.