"Johan Santana will make his first minor league rehabilitation start Thursday, a 45-pitch outing for the Class A St. Lucie Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla., against the Daytona Cubs.

The start is a day later than originally speculated as Santana attempts to return from surgery Sept. 14, 2010, to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. In recent weeks, Santana has thrown three live batting practice sessions, a simulated game and a bullpen session Sunday at Sun Life Stadium.

This will begin a 30-day window of minor league assignments, although it can be extended if the team and player agree. If there are no setbacks, it would put Santana on schedule for his return to the majors in late August."