Mets manager Terry Collins reiterated Tuesday that he would like Johan Santana to start on Opening Day. "Johan Santana is the ultimate pro," explained Collins. "He's going to be the Opening Day starter. He'd be the guy." Santana is coming off an uneven first season back from shoulder surgery, as he struggled mightily following his no-hitter and was eventually shut down due to a combination of fatigue and ankle and back injuries. The 33-year-old southpaw is nothing more than a late-round gamble in standard mixed fantasy leagues.

Johan Santana said Tuesday that he still wants to pitch for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Santana said he will bow out if that's the Mets' preference, so it's probably doubtful he'll participate. The 33-year-old southpaw is owed $25.5 million this season while his contract includes a $5.5 million buyout on a $25 million club option for 2014. If he enjoys a strong first half, it's possible the Mets will try to deal him to a contender.

John Buck said on SNY's Mets Hot Stove on Thursday that he believes Johan Santana was tipping his pitches last season. "Being on the other side - whether it's Johan tipping his pitches or whatever - those little tiny things will help," said Buck. "I was just on the other side hitting off of him. Maybe we can tighten some of those things up." For what it's worth, Santana had a 2.84 ERA in two starts against the Marlins last season while Buck was 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. It's certainly possible that he was tipping his pitches, but it didn't help that he dealt with fatigue in his first season back from shoulder surgery. Offseason reports have been overwhelmingly positive, but Santana is a big question mark entering 2013.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Thursday morning that he wants Johan Santana to start on Opening Day. Santana struggled mightily after recording a no-hitter against the Cardinals last June and was shut down with lower back inflammation in August. But he has enjoyed a normal offseason up to this point and is going to try to shoulder a full workload in 2013. The 33-year-old left-hander makes for a high-risk, high-reward fantasy selection.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson expects Johan Santana to take on a full workload in 2013. The Mets monitored Santana carefully in 2012 in his first year back from major shoulder surgery, but they'll cut him loose in 2013 in his walk year. Of course, that doesn't mean the left-hander won't miss time with more injury issues. He dealt with shoulder fatigue last season and ended the year on the disabled list with a back problem. Alderson also shared that Santana is considering pitching for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, though the WBC committee would have to insure his contract since he ended last season on the DL.

Johan Santana expects to be ready for Opening Day. Santana had his 2012 season cut short by nagging injuries, including a troubling lower back issue. But he is already making progress this offseason. "I'm just working out, getting back into shape and hoping that we'll be ready for spring training," the left-handed starter told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. "Everything has been fine. I feel really good, and I'm looking forward to next year."

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York writes that the Mets are unlikely to trade Johan Santana this offseason. The Mets figure to ask around, but they are unlikely to find much interest, as Santana allowed six or more runs in each of his final five starts before going on the disabled list and is owed $25.5 million next year while his contract includes a $5.5 million buyout on a $25 million club option for 2014. He also has a full no-trade clause. The Mets are more likely to deal him if he proves his health during the first half next year.

Johan Santana (back) is not expected to resume throwing until the middle of January. Santana was officially shut down for the season on Wednesday because of inflammation in his lower back. The Mets want the 33-year-old left-hander to rest for the majority of the winter before turning things on again leading into the start of spring training next February.

Mets placed LHP Johan Santana on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. An MRI taken Tuesday on Santana's back ruled out major structural damage, but the Mets are going to shut him down for the rest of the season anyway. The 33-year-old left-hander registered a 4.85 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 117 innings. He struck out 111 total batters and walked just 39, and he threw the first no-hitter in Mets history on June 1 against the Cardinals.

Johan Santana (back) has not been ruled out for Thursday's start against the Rockies yet. Mets manager Terry Collins revealed after Tuesday's game that doctors have not yet read Santana's MRI results, which will be revealed Wednesday. It seems unlikely that the left-hander will make the start, with Collin McHugh up on the taxi squad in case Santana is unable to go.