Johan Santana: New York Mets Ace's Return Targeted for June or July

As Adam Rubin reported via Twitter, New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson said that staff ace Johan Santana will throw on flat ground through April and then start throwing off a mound in May.

The goal is to have Santana return to the Mets in either June or July.

This news should come as no surprise as the Mets will take it easy with Santana. After all, Santana does have three more years remaining on his contract.

Here is what the Mets are looking at for a starting rotation until Santana returns:

1. Mike Pelfrey

2. R.A. Dickey

3. Jonathon Niese

4. Chris Young

5. Chris Capuano

I think it’s safe to say the Mets will be relying on their offense to wins games during the early stages of the 2011 season.

I would say, as presently constructed, only the Pittsburgh Pirates have a worse rotation than the Mets do right now in the National League.

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