Johan Santana Injury: Mets Lefty Hits Rehab Setback

Read More: Johan Santana (P - NYM), New York Mets

It was going so well for Johan Santana, too.

Working his way back from major shoulder surgery, Santana got as far as making a minor league rehab appearance, throwing three innings for class-A St. Lucie last Thursday. He was scheduled to throw again this Wednesday, but now that appearance has been canceled, as Santana's visiting with a specialist. Why? Mike Fitzpatrick:

The New York Mets ace was scratched from his next scheduled rehab start because of lingering discomfort in his pitching shoulder. He will head back to New York to be examined by a doctor Thursday and it’s uncertain if he will get back to the majors this season.

There's no guarantee that anything's actually wrong, aside from the general soreness. Santana could be just fine. That's why he's going to the doctor. But while the Mets are reluctant to call this a setback, it's a setback, as Santana's return has been delayed. Where it looked like he'd be able to get some major league innings under his belt before the end of the season, that's currently in doubt, pending the doctor's word.

Neither Santana nor the Mets are going to rush anything. If Santana's cleared to resume throwing soon, he could still pitch a little in September.