"Johan Santana, who was unable to make it back to the Mets this season after his shoulder surgery, will throw a simulated game on Sunday in Florida, then pitch in the instructional league.

The left-hander made a start for Savannah in the first round of the Class A South Atlantic League playoffs but decided not to pitch in Thursday's championship round against Greensboro.

Santana may pitch in his native Venezuela this winter if he feels up to it, believing it will help get him ready for Spring Training. The Mets remain confident that the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner will be ready to go next season. "