"Johan Santana pitched three scoreless innings in his first Minor League rehabilitation assignment for Class A St. Lucie Thursday night.

Recovering from a torn capsule in his left shoulder that has sidelined him all season, Santana's pitch count was set at 45 pitches or three innings, whichever came first.

Santana threw 33 pitches (26 strikes) and never went to three balls to any Daytona Cubs hitter.

"I was excited about having the opportunity to go back out there. It's always good to get the first one out of the way," Santana said. "It's been a long process, but a good one. Finally had a chance to go out there and compete. That's what I like to do, and I'm very pleased with how everything ended up tonight."

Randy Niemann, Santana's rehab pitching coach, said there was just a "little bit of a dip in velocity," but it wasn't a concern. His velocity reached 89-90 mph.

In fact, Niemann said he thought the southpaw was ahead of schedule. During the entire process, the focus has been on getting his mechanics right and throwing strikes.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner worked out of a jam for a scoreless first inning."