Mets News and Notes: Santana's Stunt, Wheeler Ready?, Nieuwenhuis' Knee

Mets News and Notes: Johan Santana unexpectedly had hopped on a mound Sunday for the first time since Feb. 19, which pitching coach Dan Warthen subsequently suggested may have been motivated by public criticism of Santana’s pitching shape. Said Collins: “I asked, ‘What did you get on the mound for?’ And he said, ‘Because I felt good.’ And I said, ‘It was unnecessary.’” Collins nonetheless said Santana appeared to get through the activity fine. While the Mets will not rule out Opening Day, Santana may end up opening the season later in the rotation or on the DL. Santana would need to ramp up quickly -- getting only three starts -- in order to be ready for April 1. Said Collins: “I said, ‘The last thing I need is to have you wake up tomorrow stiff and then we take a huge step backward because you wanted to show everybody you’re OK. I understand what you’re doing, but once in a while you’ve just got to let stuff slide away. You’ve just got to let it roll off your back and mo