TAMPA — The Yankees were one of seven teams to send a scout to Johan Santana’s throwing session Tuesday at a Fort Myers high school.
Tim Naehring represented the Yankees at the workout in which Santana topped out at 81 mph, pitched between 77 and 78 mph and mixed in an impressive changeup.
While the Yankees have questions throughout their rotation, it’s highly unlikely they watched Santana thinking he could be a help this year.
Santana is attempting to come back from surgery last April 2 to repair a torn capsule in the front of his left shoulder. It was the second time in 31 months the former Mets lefty underwent the tricky procedure.
Santana, who turns 35 on March 13, missed all of last season. The Mets, who gave Santana a six-year deal worth $137.5 million before the 2008 season, didn’t pick up a $25 million option for this season. Instead, they paid the $5.5 million buyout which allowed the only pitcher in Mets history to throw a no-hitter to become a free agent.
Santana threw in January, but felt discomfort and pushed back his original goal of returning to action by Opening Day. Friends say Santana is targeting May 1 or June 1 to be ready for a big league game.
Santana pitched four seasons for the Mets, going 46-34 with a 3.18 ERA in 109 games.