Mets pitcher Johan Santana is finished for the season

Johan Santana was looking like one of the biggest stories in baseball during the first two months or so of the season. Coming back after missing all of last season due to shoulder surgery, the Mets pitcher got off to a 3-2 start, including the first no-hitter in franchise history, with an ERA of 2.38.

But lately things have fallen apart for the left-hander. He has gone 3-7 with an 8.27 ERA since his promising start and 0-5 with a 15.63 ERA in his last five appearances.

And now the season is over for Santana, who will be placed on the disabled list before his next scheduled start Thursday, General Manager Sandy Alderson announced Wednesday. Earlier in the week, Mets officials insisted Santana should make a few more starts before calling it a season.

But his back stiffened following a bullpen session this week and an MRI revealed damage. The team made its decision to avoid the risk of further injury in the hopes he can start next season completely healthy.

The two-time Cy Young Award-winner is guaranteed $25 million next season and has a $5.5 million buyout on his $25-million team option for 2014.

His six wins this season are his lowest total since 2001, which was his second year in the majors.

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