After Johan Santana allowed eight runs and eight hits in just 1-1/3 innings of work in his first start back from the disabled list, there's actually some good news to be found in Flushing. At least Santana said he felt fine after the game and chalking up the poor outing to rust, rather than injury.
The Mets need Santana to perform well down the stretch, not so much because the team currently six games under .500 thinks they have a shot at the playoffs this season, but rather because they really need to unload Santana's salary on another team in the off-season.
Santana is owed $25.5 million next year, but if he can end the year strong, he might be willing to shed his no-trade clause and go to a contender willing to split the difference with New York.
If Santana struggles the rest of the way, however, forget about the potential for any headline-making free agent signings for the Mets in the off-season. They simply won't be able to afford it.
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