Mets manager Terry Collins expects Johan Santana to start on Friday against the Nationals. Collins believes Santana's struggles on Saturday were due to rust and not a re-aggravation of an ankle ailment. Santana was pounded by the Braves in his return to the Mets' rotation, surrendering eight runs on eight hits in just 1 1/3 innings. Santana is 3-6 with a 7.98 ERA over 44 innings (nine starts) since hurling his no-hitter on June 1. Mixed leaguers should bench Santana until he proves he can turn his season around.