Mets LHP Santana named NL Pitcher of the Month

Sep 29, 2008 - 5:48 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- At least Johan Santana did his part to try to get the New York Mets into the playoffs.

Santana was named National League Pitcher of the Month on Monday after going 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA in six September starts.

In his final start of the season on Saturday, the Mets' ace tossed a three-hitter on three days' rest, defeating the Florida Marlins, 2-0.

Santana finished his first year in a New York uniform with a 16-7 record and led the major leagues with a 2.53 ERA, but it was not enough to get the Mets into the playoffs.

For the second straight year, New York blew a lead down the stretch and was eliminated from playoff contention on the final day of the season, suffering a 4-2 loss to the Marlins on Sunday. The Mets finished one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League wild card race.

Also considered for the award were Roy Oswalt and Randy Wolf of the Houston Astros; Jamie Moyer and Brad Lidge of the Philadelphia Phillies; Derek Lowe of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chris Young of the San Diego Padres.