Mets' Johan Santana Throwing In Bullpen, Eyeing Opening Day Return

Johan Santana hasn't been seen in the major leagues since Sept. 2, 2010, but the New York Mets are confident they'll have their former ace back soon. The 32-year-old threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session today and looked good. The Mets plan to have him ready for opening day.

"I don't think there's any question," manager Terry Collins told CBS.

Santana went 11-9 with a 2.98 ERA for the Mets in 2010, but he then missed all of the 2011 season recovering from rotator cuff surgery. It's been a long road back for Santana, who's entering year five of a six-year, $137.5 million contract in the Big Apple.

"If he gives us 25-28 starts, we'll be a lot better," Collins said of the Mets, who went 77-85 to finish fourth in the NL East last season without Santana.