Mets ace Santana to miss start because of strained left pectoral muscle

CHICAGO – New York Mets ace Johan Santana will miss his next scheduled start because of a strained left pectoral muscle.

His outing Tuesday at Washington had been up in the air since he left Thursday's win over Atlanta after five innings. The Mets will call up Dillon Gee from Triple-A Buffalo to pitch in his place.

Santana says a bullpen session before Sunday's 18-5 win over Chicago went fine but realizes the Mets, who announced the decision after the game, "had to be very careful." He has a history of injuries and New York is out of contention.

Santana says he's not sure if he'll see a doctor, adding that will be determined in the next few days.

Shortstop Jose Reyes expects to play at some point during the three-game series at Washington, although probably not on Monday. He has been sidelined since Aug. 26 by a right oblique strain.