WASHINGTON — Johan Santana wants the ball for his next scheduled start, but will have to wait until tomorrow to find out the verdict from the Mets.
Manager Terry Collins yesterday acknowledged he will meet with general manager Sandy Alderson tomorrow at Citi Field to determine the best course of action for the struggling left-hander, who could be shut down for the season if it is determined his surgically repaired left shoulder needs the rest.
Collins yesterday met with Santana to get his thoughts on the matter, but wouldn’t divulge the lefty’s opinion. But Santana made his stance clear to The Post when asked if he wants to pitch Thursday.
“I would like to, but we’ve got to see Monday,” Santana said before the Mets beat the Nationals 2-0 last night.
On Friday, Santana became the first pitcher in franchise history to allow at least six runs in five consecutive starts, as the Nationals used a grand slam from Michael Morse and two-run blast by Bryce Harper to sink the Mets, 6-4.. Over his last five starts, Santana has pitched to a 15.63 ERA, but Collins seemed agitated at the notion his former ace should be shut down.
“I don’t even know where that started,” Collins said. “I don’t have the faintest idea how that got out. It didn’t come from me.”
When asked after his last two starts about a possible shutdown until spring training, Santana didn’t rule it out. But Collins said that shouldn’t be construed as Santana asking for a shutdown.“What he’s basically saying is if that’s what we think we should do to make sure he’s healthy next year, he’s on board with it,” Collins said. “That he understands all the thought process behind it.”
* If the decision is reached to shut down Santana, Collins plans to stick with a six-man rotation. Jeremy Hefner is already part of that rotation, meaning the Mets would have to look for another arm from Triple-A Buffalo. Collin McHugh, Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia would be among the candidates.
Collins said he wasn’t pleased Santana was told by umpires to cover a gold logo on his glove — after Nationals manager Davey Johnson complained on Friday – but wasn’t about to question his Nationals counterpart.
“I don’t get in talking about other managers’ moves and what they do,” Collins said. “I’ve got my own problems. I worry about getting some hits right now.”