Alderson: Santana 'less & less likely' for opener

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson says Johan Santana is becoming "less and less likely'' to be ready for the team's opener against San Diego on April 1.

Santana was scheduled to throw batting practice Tuesday, but pitching coach Dan Warthen said Saturday that the session had been canceled. Santana remains on a long-toss program and likely will throw from 150 feet Sunday.

Alderson said it will be 10 more days before Santana builds up enough arm strength to pitch in an exhibition game. He also said Santana has no structural issues in his shoulder and that an MRI hasn't taken place or been planned.