Santana continued to pitched well in 2009 and 2010, managing a 3.05 ERA (131 ERA+), but he averaged just 183 innings per season as injuries began to take their toll, culminating with surgery to remove bone chips in his left throwing elbow in August of 2009 and then surgery on his shoulder to repair an anterior capsule tear in September of 2010, sidelining him for all of 2011. Santana did find success when he returned to the Mets for 2012, throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history and taking a 2.76 ERA into the end of June, but he was bothered by ankle and back injuries as he imploded spectacularly in his next five starts over the next month and a half, managing just a 15.63 ERA, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Further pain in his shoulder prompted Santana to see doctors once again, and he was forced to undergo a second surgery to repair the anterior capsule in his shoulder, ending his season and putting his career in jeopardy. Despite all of that, though, Santana is not done. Chris Leible, one of Santana’s agents, told the New Jersey Star-Ledger that Santana certainly didn’t get the surgery “to work on his water polo career” and then tweeted this.

. @johansantana ‘s plan is to be back on the mound pitching again as soon as possible.

— Chris Leible (@ChrisLeible) March 29, 2013

Santana is determined to come back, but the Star-Ledger also noted that Santana was the first ever pitcher to come back from anterior capsule surgery when he came back from it the last time and the odds of a repeat performance in that regard may be slim. But who would possibly give him a chance? He may be a former ace but he’s a shadow of his former self and even if he returns successfully, the next injury could be just moments away. Would Santana be willing to throw his honor aside and take a minor league deal if that’s what was necessary to prolong his career? Would any team be crazy enough to guarantee him any money? If there’s anyone, that team may be the Tampa Bay Rays.

Following this season, Roberto Hernandez will be a free agent no matter how he does. Jeff Niemann‘s days with the Rays look numbered now that he has been demoted to the bullpen. And most importantly, the rumors have been swirling that David Price could be traded following the season, and if that happens, the Rays’ rotation could look extremely different next season. Their rotation will include Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, and Alex Cobb and Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi could fill the last two spots, but are the Rays really going to consider going into 2014 with that rotation?

After the Rays signed Hernandez last offseason, they may consider bringing in another free agent starter following this season. And considering their love for low-risk, high upside moves and pitching depth should an injury occur, Johan Santana could be a potential fit. Santana will have to prove that he’s healthy and still capable of getting major league hitters out, but if he does, the Rays might shock baseball by signing Santana and even giving him a major league contract worth around $1.5MM, of course with a team option added on as well. Santana has a long way to go in his recovery and whether he can continue his career is very much in question. If his rehabilitation from his surgery works out, though, the Rays may be the team that comes calling.

The Rays were desperate to come away from their series with the Mets with something. The previous two games were embarrassing: an 11-2 loss and a 9-1 loss. They narrowly missed getting no-hit by R.A. Dickey on Wednesday night. They were just hoping that Thursday would be better. It was- but better is a comparative word.

The Rays immediately knew they were in trouble when Jeremy Hellickson allowed a leadoff homer to Kirk Nieuwenhuis on the second pitch of the game. Then Jason Bay homered in the second inning and suddenly the Rays were down 2-0. But then we saw the bats come alive just a little bit against Johan Santana. Hideki Matsui singled (advancing to 2nd on an error) and Ben Zobrist walked to begin the inning before Matt Joyce drilled a 2-run double to tie the game. Three batters later, Elliot Johnson singled in Joyce to give the Rays a 3-2 lead. But it was short-lived. Hellickson allowed a Lucas Duda sac fly and an Ike Davis RBI single in the 3rd to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Ben Zobrist tied the game in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double. And then, the Mets pulled away.

Hellickson had his worst outing of the season and it was hard to watch. (Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE)

There were two outs and nobody on when Omar Quintinilla singled and then Nieuwenhuis slammed his second homer of the game to give the Mets a 6-3 lead. Then Hellickson hit Jordany Valdespin with a pitch. With Jason Bay at the plate, Valdespin broke for second on Jose Molina‘s throw was right on the money- but the ball popped out of Ben Zobrist’s glove and the inning continued. Lucas Duda ended Hellickson’s afternoon with a 2-run double before Cesar Ramos escaped the jam. Hellickson went just 3.2 innings allowing 8 runs on 9 hits, striking out not a single batter while walking 1. Hellickson’s command was off, especially on his best pitch, his changeup, and he simply could not miss bats and put away hitters. Jeremy Hellickson isn’t a pitcher who’s going to strike out a lot of guys, but we’ve seen him able to bear down and get big K’s when he has needed them. Not on this afternoon.

The Rays had their chance to get right back in the game in the 6th. Hideki Matsui singled to begin the frame against Santana before Ben Zobrist doubled and Matt Joyce walked to load the bases, ending Santana’s outing. The Rays had the bases loaded with nobody out. But in came Jon Rauch and he struck out Sean Rodriguez and the pinch-hitter Jose Lobaton before forcing Elliot Johnson to ground out to end the threat. That would prove costly.

Fernando Rodney let up a garbage-time run in the 9th on a David Wright single, a wild pitch, and an Ike Davis RBI base-knock. Miguel Batista came into the game trying to finish it off for the Mets. But with 1 out, Jose Lobaton walked and Elliot Johnson blooped a single. Desmond Jennings lined his first base hit of the series, an opposite field RBI single, and suddenly the Rays were more baserunner away from putting the tying run at the plate. Mets manager Terry Collins brought in closer Frank Francisco into what had become a save situation. Carlos Pena hit a groundball to second base, but Desmond Jennings beat Omar Quintanilla to the bag as a run scored to make it a 9-6 game. After B.J. Upton struck out, Hideki Matsui drew a tough walk, loading the bases for Ben Zobrist. But after a 7-pitch at-bat and a bullet line drive foul, Zobrist struck out on a check-swing as the Mets won 9-6, sweeping the Rays. Santana (4-3) was the winner in the game, while Hellickson (4-3) took the loss, and Francisco managed his 16th save. The Rays finally got something in the latter innings, but Hellickson’s debacle and their failure to score with the bases loaded and no men out in the 6th was the difference in the game. The Rays go out from this series shaking their heads trying to figure out what just happened. It’s just three games, but it was not pretty. The Rays hope another meeting with their in-state rival Miami Marlins and rejuvenate them and get them back on track. Matt Moore opposes Carlos Zambrano in the opener as the Rays look to get back on the winning path.

Without further ado….

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST, HOW IS THE ARM FEELING AFTER THE TOMMY JOHN SURGERY?

Arm is feeling good.  My elbow hasn’t felt this good since I was in little league.

2. HOW EXTENSIVE WAS THE REHAB PROCESS FOR THE TOMMY JOHN, AND CAN YOU GIVE  THE READERS A LITTLE EXAMPLE OF WHAT A DAILY REHAB ROUTINE MAY HAVE ENTAILED?

For the first four months post-op, it was nothing but physical therapy.  I would go 5 days a week for about 2 and a half hours. At first, it was primarily “forcing” my elbow back and forth in order to regain the flexibility.  Once full range of motion was regained, strengthening the elbow and shoulder followed.  

3. DID YOU DEVELOP ANY NEW PITCHES THAT YOU WILL BE USING DURING THE SEASON DURING YOUR REHAB PROCESS?

I haven’t developed any new pitches, but I have improved on my off-speed pitches.  They seem to be sharper and more consistent in the strike zone.

4. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE IN A SETUP ROLE WITH A CHANCE AT SOME SPOT SAVES?

First off, I’m in the big leagues.  If I’m pitching, I’m happy.  I just like being in the bullpen with a chance to pitch every night.  If George needs a day, I’ll be ready to fill in for him.

5. DURING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER, YOU WERE NOT NECCESARILY KNOWN AS A HARD THROWER. AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOUR ARM HAD EITHER GOTTEN STRONGER OR YOU HAD CHANGED SOME MECHANICS THAT ALLOWED YOU TO THROW IN THE MID TO HIGH 90′S?

I think it first became apparent the summer after my senior year in high school.  I was playing for the Tampa Catholic team and began to start throwing the ball by people.  I’m not sure what prompted the increase in velocity.  The following summer in the Valley League, I was topping out at 95mph.  I did run a lot more once I got to college, by more I mean more than not at all!  That could have had something to do with it.

6. WHO IS/ARE YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLAYER(S) TO HAVE TO FACE?

I don’t enjoy throwing to guess hitters.  Those guys who take the first two fastballs balls that get a good portion of the plate, and then waffle the best slider I have because they had been sitting on it since the beginning of the at-bat. 

7. WHAT PITCHER DO YOU THINK HAS THE NASTIEST STUFF IN THE LEAGUE?

 Johan Santana.  Anyone who can throw a change-up 15mph under the fastball with no change in arm angles or speed is a freak.

8. WHY DID WE GET CRUSHED BY SO MANY LITTLE KIDS WHILE PLAYING EA SPORTS NHL 09 A COUPLE WEEKS AGO?!

My back was already sore from the extra running in spring training to take on the load you were asking of me.