MLB

Mets’ Santana pitches for first time since surgery

PORT ST. LUCIE — Johan Santana is ready to roll.

The Mets ace, in a tune-up before his first Grapefruit League start of the season, scheduled for Tuesday against the Astros, yesterday faced hitters for the first time since undergoing surgery last Sept. 1 to remove bone chips from his left elbow.

Rod Barajas and Josh Thole served as Santana’s batting competition in a 40-pitch outing that lasted two innings. Each inning consisted of four outs.

Santana’s throwing sessions previously had been limited to a bullpen mound.

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“The reason I wanted to throw like this today was because I wanted to get into a game-situation mode,” Santana said. “That’s the way it is going to be on Tuesday and from now on. You’re going to go into games where you have to compete, and that’s what I wanted to do.

“But the most important thing is I felt good and I saw all my pitches doing what they are supposed to do, so that’s a good sign.”

The Mets will split their squad today, sending Fernando Nieve to face the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla. Jon Niese, who had a strong two-inning stint in Monday’s intrasquad scrimmage, will remain at Tradition Field to face the Marlins.

Nieve, who is battling Niese for the final spot in the Mets’ rotation, has not pitched this spring. Nieve could factor into the team’s bullpen plans if Niese wins the starting job.

Beginning tomorrow, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez and John Maine will make their first starts of the Grapefruit League season before Santana gets the ball against the Astros at Tradition Field. Santana expects to throw 45 pitches.

If there is a noticeable difference in Santana’s delivery since the sur gery, it’s the lefty’s ability to extend his arm and finish pitches. That was something he couldn’t do last summer as he pitched in pain.

“It will help all my pitches because now I’m able to hide the ball better and then extend and throw the ball better,” Santana said. “My release point is much better now.”

Santana said it was a good sign that a contact hitter like Thole was swinging and missing at his slider. Santana also threw his changeup, fastball and two-seamer.

“I finally had a chance to face some hitters out there and be able to throw my pitches and feel pretty good,” Santana said.

mpuma@nypost.com