"Johan Santana oozed sweat after throwing 45 pitches in 90-degree weather Sunday, but he was smiling. In a Mets uniform, on a bullpen in a major league ballpark, nearly ready for minor league games: Almost back.

Santana's recovery from last September's shoulder surgery is proceeding well, and depending on how he feels Monday, he could advance to game action on Wednesday.

"I'm getting closer," Santana said. "We still have some way to go, but I'm feeling better. And that's what we're looking for day in and day out, that every day I feel better, every time I throw in the bullpen or off the mound I feel good. The last couple of times have been really good."

The bullpen session was well-attended. In addition to Terry Collins and pitching coach Dan Warthen, bullpen coach Jon Debus, trainer Ray Ramirez and rehab coordinator Randy Niemann were among those standing behind Santana as he threw."