In a post in Adam Rubin’s blog, Dan Warthen says a blister, that may have since healed, on Johan’s left hand middle finger could be the reason for Santana’s recent ineffectiveness. Warthen believes Santana may have unintentionally changed the grip on his four-seam fastball, causing it to cut rather than stay true.

“It’s going to decrease the velocity if it’s cutting like it is,” Warthen said. “The two-seamer is cutting at times also. Physically, he’s in good shape. And the arm feels good. We just have to find out what the delivery issue is right now.”

Santana told reporters after the game he’s healthy. I wouldn’t expect him to say anything different, but there may be something lingering which he won’t use as an excuse. He said he dealt with a long-gone back issue a month ago, and also had a split fingernail at one point.

Gary Sheffield will undergo an MRI tomorrow on his right knee tomorrow. I’m obviously not expecting good news after every injury this team has incurred.

Update: A report from WFAN’s Evan Robert’s states that Sheffield will Not undergo an MRI after all. Paging Dr. Nick, paging Dr. Nick. HELLO EVERYBODY! I really hope next week we don’t find out Sheffield needs an MRI after all. It seems Mets doctors and management has flip flopped so much this year on injuries.