Analysis: Ok, it might finally be time to panic. Despite entering Tuesday's road matchup with the Brewers on the back of a two-game quality start streak, Santana has lacked his usual firepower for quite some time now. Santana's four strikeouts -- normally a middling total for the ace left-hander -- were the most he's tallied in over a month and his 18/14 K/BB ratio is considerably off his May mark of 42/11. Santana will try to get himself righted on July 5 when he faces the division rival Phillies.

Randy Johnson pitched well enough to pick up his eighth win

Randy Johnson pitched well enough to pick up his eighth win Tuesday, surrendering four hits and three earned runs with four walks and three Ks over 5 1/3 innings to up his mark to 8-5.

Analysis: Ok, it might finally be time to panic. Despite entering Tuesday's road matchup with the Brewers on the back of a two-game quality start streak, Santana has lacked his usual firepower for quite some time now. Santana's four strikeouts -- normally a middling total for the ace left-hander -- were the most he's tallied in over a month and his 18/14 K/BB ratio is considerably off his May mark of 42/11. Santana will try to get himself righted on July 5 when he faces the division rival Phillies.

Santana lit up by Brewers

Johan Santana was lit up for six runs (five earned) on nine hits over six innings in Tuesday's 6-3 loss at Milwaukee. He issued four walks with four strikeouts.

Our View: Santana suffered his sixth loss of the season, and closes out June with a 2-4 mark over six starts. Hopefully the Mets' ace will regain his edge heading into the new month.

Johan Santana surrendered six runs -- five earned -- over six

Johan Santana surrendered six runs -- five earned -- over six innings in a 6-3 loss to the Brewers on Tuesday night. Santana gave up nine hits, including a monster home run to Prince Fielder, while fanning four and walking four. [...]

Braun's big night gives Burns, Crew win

Ryan Braun drove in four runs, and Mike Burns notched his first Major League win as the Brewers beat Johan Santana and the Mets, 6-3, on Tuesday.

Braun drives in 4, Fielder homers in Brewers' win

Ryan Braun hit a three-run double and scored on Johan Santana's throwing error, sending the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-3 victory over the Mets on Tuesday night that extended New York's losing streak to a season-high five games.

Santana leads Mets over Cardinals 3-2

Johan Santana was struggling. He had gone to 3-0 counts on four of his first 11 batters — something he hadn't done in an entire game in six years, not counting intentional walks.

Evans' hammer serves Johan well in win

Facing one of the best starters in the National League and countering with Johan Santana on hardly his best day, the Mets nonetheless held back the Cardinals, 3-2.

Santana gave up two runs -- one earned -- and seven hits in

Santana gave up two runs -- one earned -- and seven hits in seven innings to win for the first time in three starts and lower his ERA to 3.08 in the Mets' 3-2 win over the Cardinals Thursday. [...]

Johan Santana cuffed the Cardinals to two runs -- one earned

Johan Santana cuffed the Cardinals to two runs -- one earned -- over 7 innings in Thursday's 3-2 victory. Santana was able to dance out of trouble after allowing seven hits and three walks. [...]

Johan Santana delivered seven gutsy innings to beat Chris Carpenter

Johan Santana delivered seven gutsy innings to beat Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals on Thursday, finishing with one earned run allowed on seven hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

Analysis: The day got off to a rocky start for Johan, who surrendered a run in the first and loaded the bases in the second, but he managed to escape relatively unscathed. Owners can take heart in this kind of an effort from the Mets ace, as he found a way to turn in a solid final line on a day when he didn't have his best stuff. Eventually, Johan will settle back into a groove and provide plenty of strikeouts to go with the wins again.

Santana wriggles way into victory vs. Cards

Facing one of the best starters in the National League and countering with Johan Santana on hardly his best day, the Mets nonetheless held back the Cardinals to achieve both a 3-2 victory and a series win.

Johan Santana bested Chris Carpenter in a matchup of Cy Young

News: Johan Santana bested Chris Carpenter in a matchup of Cy Young Award winners, and the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 Thursday. Santana gave up two runs -- one earned -- and seven hits in seven innings to win for the first time in three starts and lower his ERA to 3.08. He struck out three and overcame early wildness. Uncharacteristically, he went to 3-0 counts four times in the first two innings. [...]

Mets | Santana solid Thursday

The Associated Press reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana (9-5) gave up two runs (one earned) and seven hits in seven innings to earn the win over the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday, June 25. It was his first win in three starts and he lowered his ERA to 3.08 on the year. He struck out three in the game, his fourth straight start with three strikeouts or fewer.

Yadi knocks two hits, drives in one

Yadier Molina went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to the Mets on Thursday. Molina singled home Skip Schumaker in the first inning off starter Johan Santana, but the Cards gave up the lead in the fourth.

Our View: Yadi also hit a ball hard in the bottom of the ninth that was caught by the left fielder that would have tied the game. He is an all-around solid catcher, both offensively and defensively, and he should be considered a decent fantasy option in all leagues.

Santana wriggles way into victory vs. Cards

Facing one of the best starters in the National League and countering Johan Santana on hardly his best day, the Mets nonetheless held back the Cardinals to achieve both a 3-2 victory and a series win.

Santana put some of the fears about his health to rest Saturday

Santana put some of the fears about his health to rest Saturday by pitching a season-high 7.1 innings in a rain-interrupted 3-1 loss to the Rays. He allowed three hits and two runs, including a long homer to Carlos Pena, but his 98-pitch outing was a major improvement from last Sunday's pounding by the Yankees, the NY Newsday's Mets blog reports. [...]

Carlos Pena hit a tiebreaking homer off Johan Santana in the

News: Carlos Pena hit a tiebreaking homer off Johan Santana in the seventh inning Saturday, sending James Shields and the Rays to a rainy 3-1 victory over the Mets. Shields allowed three hits in seven innings and retired his final 14 batters. He outpitched Santana, who was back in fine form following the worst start of his career. Both starters were lifted after a 73-minute rain delay in the top of the eighth. Santana (8-5) squandered a 1-0 lead and took the loss, but didn't allow a hit until Jason Bartlett's one-out double in the fifth. He yielded three hits and three walks in 7 1/3 innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner showed better zip and command with his fastball, which clocked around 92 mph all game. That's not Santana at his best, but it was a noticeable improvement from Sunday. [...]

Mets | Santana solid in start Saturday

Mike Fitzpatrick, of The Associated Press, reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana allowed two runs on three hits in 7 1/3 innings Saturday, June 20, but suffered his fifth loss of the season. He struck out three batters and walked three in the game. Santana has struck out only 11 batters in his last four starts.

Santana struggled some with his mechanics -- and in general

Santana struggled some with his mechanics -- and in general -- over his two previous starts, but he apparently figured out his issues in side sessions with pitching coach Dan Warthen, and looked better today. While he clearly wasn't quite at his best, the Big Leagues are full of pitchers who dream of having off days in which they allow three hits over 7 1/3. His strikeout totals will bounce back (he had just three on Saturday), the ERA will dip from its current perch of 3.22, and the wins will come. This is Johan Santana we're talking about. He'll take his next turn at home against the Cardinals on June 25.

Johan Santana held the Rays to two earned runs over 7 1/3 innings

Johan Santana held the Rays to two earned runs over 7 1/3 innings Saturday, but was handed the loss. The bad news? Santana was given no run support and dropped to 8-5 on the season. [...]

Burrell to sit again

According to the St. Petersburg Times, Rays' skipper Joe Maddon says he won't start Pat Burrell in right field Saturday despite solid numbers against Johan Santana.

Our View: Pat the Bat is 5-for-16 against the Mets' ace, but it seems he won't get a chance to hit him Saturday. Maddon has been reluctant to play the struggling outfielder, especially in games without a DH. Burrell has been a big disappointment this season, not just to the Rays, but fantasy owners as well. He's hitting just .236 with one home run in 123 at-bats. There are definitely better options out there.

Santana looks to put struggles in the past

On Saturday the Mets will aim for consecutive wins for the second time since May 29, and Johan Santana will be hoping to rebound from a string of subpar performances.

Mets | Santana to make next start

Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana (finger) threw a pain-free bullpen session Wednesday, June 17, and will make his next start Saturday, June 20, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Pitching coach Dan Warthen said Santana changed his grip and lowered his arm angle during his bullpen session. "I thought he was excellent -- vintage Johan," Warthen said. "I think we have most everything figured out. He got his deception back and his velocity back, and I'm expecting very good things [in Santana's next start]."

The New York Daily News reports that Mets SP Johan Santana worked

News: The New York Daily News reports that Mets SP Johan Santana worked on getting his hand out of his glove more quickly during a bullpen session Wednesday. Santana is trying to get rid of the cutting action on his fastball. [...]

Greinke suffers third loss

Zack Greinke had his third straight off-night as he allowed six runs, four earned, in a loss to the Royals. He went 6.1 innings while fiving up six hits and walking two. He did strike out nine, but his record falls to 8-3.

Our View: Similar to Johan Santana, Greinke has had an awful start to June. He has allowed 12 earned runs in his 19 innings of work. Over his last seven starts, he is just 2-3. It's good to see the strikeouts are still coming, and we don't expect to see this trend continue for long.

Santana, under the supervision of pitching coach Dan Warthen,

Santana, under the supervision of pitching coach Dan Warthen, apparently figured out his mechanical issues during Wednesday's bullpen session at Camden Yards, the NY Newsday's Mets blog reports. "He was catapulting the ball instead of throwing it," said Warthen, who demonstrated what he meant with a more overhand delivery. "He's didn't have that same deception he usually has." [...]

Santana discovers flaw

Newsday reports that Johan Santana detected a mechanical flaw during Wednesday's bullpen session. Apparently a change in his arm slot has been the reason for his string of poor outings.

Our View: Hopefully Santana and pitching coach Dan Warthen aren't just blowing smoke. Santana remains a top-flight starter and we can't recommend skipping one of his starts.

Johan Santana identified a mechanical flaw during his bullpen

Johan Santana identified a mechanical flaw during his bullpen session with pitching coach Dan Warthen on Wednesday. "He was catapulting the ball instead of throwing it," Warthen said. [...]

Santana, who allowed a career-high nine earned runs in Sunday's

Santana, who allowed a career-high nine earned runs in Sunday's 15-0 loss to the Yankees, insists that his surgically repaired left knee has not been a factor in his recent struggles, the Mets' official site reports. [...]

Much of the contention surrounding Santana stemmed from comments

Much of the contention surrounding Santana stemmed from comments former pitching coach Rick Peterson made Monday to 1050 ESPN radio in New York. Peterson said he had heard "a rumor" that Santana's surgically repaired left knee is bothering him to the point of affecting his pitching. "How did he know that my knee hurts?" Santana said, debunking that theory. "The reality is, he's not here. I'm the one who feels my body better than anybody. My knee doesn't hurt, and I don't know where he got that one from. I'm being honest and realistic. My knee is the last issue here. We took care of that last year, and it has nothing to do with what's going on right now." Still, what's going on is possibly the worst stretch of Santana's life. He allowed a career-high nine earned runs in Sunday's 15-0 loss to the Yankees and has posted a 6.50 ERA over his past six starts. Afterward, Santana admitted that he felt knee discomfort earlier this year and has suffered from the blister and a split nail on his left middle finger. But Santana also insisted that none of that has had any effect on his recent performance. Johan's next start comes against a dangerous Rays lineup and a formidable opponent in James Shields.

Johan: Knee isn't bothering him

Mets ace Johan Santana addressed comments by former pitching coach Rick Peterson on Tuesday that the lefty's surgically repaired knee was responsible for his recent struggles.

Johan: Knee isn't bothering him

Mets ace Johan Santana addressed comments by former pitching coach Rick Peterson on Tuesday that the lefty's surgically repaired knee was responsible for his recent struggles. Santana denied that his knee was bothering him.

New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana insists his left knee

News: New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana insists his left knee isn't hurt and said location was the only problem he experienced while surrendering a career-high nine runs in a 15-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday. Before Tuesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, Santana reacted with surprise to comments from former pitching coach Rick Peterson, who told a New York radio station that he'd heard a rumor that Santana was dealing with a bum left knee. "How does he know my knee hurts? That's the question that I have. Tell me, how did he find that out? It is crazy," Santana said. "Not even the trainers know. Not even me. I didn't know my knee hurts, just put it that way." Santana admitted that he was troubled a month ago by a blister and split fingernail on his left middle finger that briefly made him alter the grip on his fastball, but those injuries have healed. His attention is directed toward a bullpen session Wednesday. "Just work on my mechanics and try to locate the pitches better. That's what I have to focus on. The last couple of games, we're missing the location of the pitches," he said. [...]

Mets | Santana struggling with location

The Associated Press reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana said his location was off in his last start against the New York Yankees, and that his knee was not a factor. He plans to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, June 17, in which he will work on improving the location of his pitches. "Just work on my mechanics and try to locate the pitches better. That's what I have to focus on. The last couple of games, we're missing the location of the pitches," Santana said.

Santana: Location, not knee, is only problem

New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana insists his left knee isn't hurt and said location was the only problem he experienced while surrendering a career-high nine runs in a 15-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday.

Santana says he's fine

Johan Santana says that, despite speculation, his knee is fine and that a blister and broken nail that had been bothering him on his pitching hand are also fine according to the New York Daily News.

Our View: Santana has gotten rocked in his last two starts, but they are almost assuredly an aberration, and not a trend. Start him at all costs.

Johan Santana refuted former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson's

Johan Santana refuted former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson's suggestion that the left-hander's surgically-repaired knee is still an issue. "I didn't know my knee hurts. [...]

Mets | Say Santana's knee is fine

Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports the New York Mets have strongly denied rumors that SP Johan Santana's (knee, finger, back) knee is bothering him. The team has insisted that the only injuries bothering Santana are the blister on his middle finger and some minor back soreness.

According to the New York Post, former Mets pitching coach Rick

News: According to the New York Post, former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson caused a stir Monday by passing along what he described as a "rumor" that Johan Santana's surgically repaired left knee is bothering him again. Peterson, now out of baseball after being fired by the Mets along with Willie Randolph last June, said knee pain could explain Santana's string of bad outings and worrisome drop in velocity. "I know it's been reported that he's had a blister on his middle finger, and that certainly can be a major, major detriment for a pitcher," Peterson told ESPN 1050 radio station in New York Monday morning. "And then there's been some rumors that you hear about his knee being a little bit bothersome right now. And when that starts to happen, when you've got a finger issue and you have that knee issue like he had before, you really start to get a little concerned about that." [...]

The New York Daily News reports that Mets pitching coach Dan

News: The New York Daily News reports that Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen believes Johan Santana's ineffectiveness and decreased velocity may both be tied to the ace unintentionally changing the grip on his four-seam fastball because of a previous blister. “It’s going to decrease the velocity if it’s cutting like it is,” Warthen said. “The two-seamer is cutting at times also. Physically, he’s in good shape. And the arm feels good. We just have to find out what the delivery issue is right now." [...]

Mets | Santana's knee bothering him?

Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports former New York Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson said he has heard rumors that SP Johan Santana's (knee) surgically repaired knee has been bothering him and is contributing to his recent struggles. Santana has a 6.50 ERA in his last six starts and has seen a noticeable drop in his velocity. His radar readings on Sunday, June 14, were mostly in the high 80-mph range.

Former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson said he has heard rumors

Former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson said he has heard rumors that Johan Santana's surgically-repaired left knee is still bothering him. Santana had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee last October, but he has made no mention of it as a source of his problems recently. [...]

Mets | Santana bothered by a blister

Updating previous reports, the New York Times' Jack Curry reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana (finger) has been bothered by a blister on his right middle finger since late May.

Santana dealing with blister?

The New York Daily News reports that pitching coach Dan Warthen speculates that a blister on Johan Santana's hand has sapped some of his velocity. He says the blister may have caused him to change his grip on his four-seam fastball. Santana insists he is healthy.

Our View: Santana has been awful through three June starts as he is 1-2 with an ERA over seven. He has also given up six home runs. He allowed only five home runs through the first two months of the season. Regardless, we can't recommend pulling him from your starting rotations.

Mets | Santana has worst start of his career Sunday

The Associated Press reports New York Mets SP Johan Santana had the worst start of his career Sunday, June 14, when the Mets lost 15-0 to the New York Yankees. Santana, who fell to 8-4 on the season, allowed a career-high nine earned runs off nine hits and two walks over three-plus innings pitched. Santana admitted to having back problems a month ago, but he said now he feels OK. However, his velocity was down Sunday as his fastball was down to around 89-90 mph. Pitching coach Dan Warthen said Santana’s arm feels good and added, “We just have to find out what the delivery issue is right now.” Warthen said Santana had a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand that healed a few starts ago. Warthen said, “Since that's healed, that's when the ball started cutting, so I just wonder if he has changed his grip by accident in some way.”

Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen believes Johan Santana is dealing

Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen believes Johan Santana is dealing with a blister that has sapped some of his velocity. Because of the blister, which may now be healed, Warthen believes Santana may have unintentionally changed the grip on his four-seam fastball, causing it to cut rather than stay true. [...]

Yankees pummel Santana, Mets to win Subway Series

Reuters - The New York Yankees pummeled Mets pitcher Johan Santana for a career-high nine runs in three-plus innings and crushed their New York rivals 15-0 to win baseball's interleague Subway Series on Sunday.

Mets SP Johan Santana pitched the absolute worst game of his

News: Mets SP Johan Santana pitched the absolute worst game of his career on Sunday against the Yankees from the Bronx. Santana did not handle pitching in the Yankees’ home run-friendly ballpark very well as he gave up nine runs on nine hits over just three innings. He walked two and struck out three. Santana’s ERA climbed from 2.39 all the way to 3.29 with the loss and his record falls to 8-4 on the year. [...]

Johan rocked by Yankees

Johan Santana had one of the worst outings of his career on Sunday against the Yankees. The left-hander was charged with nine runs in just three innings of work. He gave up nine hits, walked two and struck out three in the brief appearance.

Our View: Santana has now given up 14 runs in his last two starts, which is nothing near what is expected of him. He has given up at least two runs in each of his last six starts, raising his ERA from 0.78 to 3.29 in that span. Where not certain what the cause for the declining performance is, but we still have to respect him as one of the best starters in the game. Keep him in your lineups.

Santana allowed a career-high nine earned runs Sunday against

Santana allowed a career-high nine earned runs Sunday against the Yankees. [...]

Johan Santana was rocked for nine runs in three-plus innings

Johan Santana was rocked for nine runs in three-plus innings in a loss to the Yankees. Santana gave up three runs on three straight two-out singles in the second inning, then settled in just fine in the third. [...]

Santana entered Sunday's contest with a liftetime mark of 4-1

Santana entered Sunday's contest with a liftetime mark of 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA in seven career starts against the Bombers but the Mets' ace was absolutely lit up on Sunday and failed to get a single out in the fourth inning. His eight earned runs were the most he's allowed since 2005 and he has now allowed a whopping 13 earned runs over his last 10 innings. Santana will look to put Sunday's horrific outing firmly in his rearview when he next toes the rubber on June 20 against the Rays.

Santana allowed a career-high nine earned runs Sunday against

Santana allowed a career-high nine earned runs Sunday against the Yankees. [...]

Johan can lock up series win for Mets

Despite a trio of heartbreaking losses against two rivals, the injury-riddled Mets need only a strong performance from ace Johan Santana to salvage a 3-3 record during a critical six-game stretch.

Mets | Santana will not be disciplined

The Associated Press reports the New York Mets have no plans to discipline SP Johan Santana for ignoring a bunt sign Tuesday, June 9.

Santana was tagged for four home runs but still picked up the

Santana was tagged for four home runs but still picked up the win against the Phillies on Tuesday. He allowed five runs in seven innings. [...]

Santana claims eighth win

Johan Santana gave up five earned runs on eight hits over seven innings in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Phillies at Citi Field. He had one walk, two strikeouts and allowed four homers.

Our View: It was not a good outing for Santana, but his teammates provided enough offensive support for him to claim his eighth win. He has won four of his last five starts.

On a rare off-night for Johan Santana, the Mets bailed their

News: On a rare off-night for Johan Santana, the Mets bailed their ace out with their bats. David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church homered -- with Church sending a drive over the 16-foot wall and into the well where the Home Run Apple sits in straightaway center field -- and the Mets beat the Phillies 6-5 Tuesday night. Santana (8-3) tied his career high by allowing four home runs for only the second time in 221 major league starts, allowing drives to Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. Ibanez's drive was just the 10th ever off Santana on an 0-2 pitch. But Santana also helped himself with his bat, hitting a tying double in the sixth off Clay Condrey (4-1). [...]

Johan Santana moved to 8-3 on the season, despite giving up

Johan Santana moved to 8-3 on the season, despite giving up four home runs to the Phillies on Tuesday night. Tuesday night was the second time Santana had allowed four home runs in a game -- the other time was July 23, 2007 against the Blue Jays. [...]

Johan Santana moved to 8-3 on the season, despite giving up

Johan Santana moved to 8-3 on the season, despite giving up four home runs to the Phillies on Tuesday night. Tuesday night was the second time Santana had allowed four home runs in a game -- the other time was July 23, 2007 against the Blue Jays. [...]

Home runs bail out Santana as Mets top Phils 6-5

On a rare off-night for Johan Santana, the New York Mets bailed their ace out with their bats.

With the Mets rainout Wednesday and off-day Monday, Santana's

With the Mets rainout Wednesday and off-day Monday, Santana's next start has been moved to Tuesday. [...]

Pirates | Duke out duels Santana

The Associated Press reports Pittsburgh Pirates SP Zach Duke allowed a run in seven innings to defeat the New York Mets and SP Johan Santana Tuesday, June 2.

Santana gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings to

Santana gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings to take the loss against Zach Duke and the Pirates on Tuesday night. [...]

Santana dealt loss on road

Johan Santana gave up three earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Tuesday's 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh. He had one walk and three strikeouts.

Our View: Santana was dealt his third loss of the season, and had his three-game winning streak snapped. The elite hurler should bounce back fine.

Johan Santana dropped to 7-3 on the season, allowing three runs

Johan Santana dropped to 7-3 on the season, allowing three runs over six innings in a 3-1 loss to the Pirates on Tuesday night. The game was scoreless until the fifth when the Mets scored a run in the top half, but the Pirates countered with one in the bottom of the fifth -- Jason Jaramillo's first career home run -- and two more off Santana in the sixth to put them ahead for good. [...]

Duke leads Pirates past Mets

Zach Duke pitched seven effective innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat Johan Santana and the New York Mets 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Mets SP Johan Santana lost for just the third time this season

News: Mets SP Johan Santana lost for just the third time this season on Tuesday night against the Pirates. Santana (7-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He walked one and had three strikeouts. Santana's ERA is 2.00 on the season. [...]