"The Mets received some rare good news yesterday, when Johan Santana was diagnosed with fatigue of his left shoulder after being examined at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Santana was brought up from Port St. Lucie, where he is rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, because he complained of "discomfort" earlier this week following his first rehab start, on July 28.

Other than fatigue, Santana's shoulder exam was "otherwise normal," according to the Mets.

Santana will spend the next week with the team, which continues its 10-game homestand tonight against the Braves at Citi Field. He won't throw again until his shoulder is at full strength.

The left-hander had hoped to return by July, but general manager Sandy Alderson has tempered expectations and said repeatedly he doesn't expect Santana to pitch meaningful innings in a pennant race this season.

Since it is becoming increasingly apparent that no one on the Mets figures to pitch meaningful innings in a pennant race this season, there is no need to rush Santana back.

Nevertheless, Alderson has said he believes a window remains open for Santana to pitch for the Mets next month and that would be beneficial for him going into next season."