"Johan Santana sailed through his latest test and appears ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment, as soon as Wednesday.

The Mets ace threw a 45-pitch bullpen session before yesterday's 5-4 loss to the Marlins, and seemed impressed afterward with the effort. Barring irregular soreness today, Santana will be slotted for an upcoming start with Single-A St. Lucie.

"I think all the work we have been doing is paying off," Santana said. "The way I'm feeling right now is I'm getting close [to minor league games]."

Santana, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder, said he felt stronger yesterday than he did throwing bullpen sessions in recent years."