Mets pitcher Santana undergoes successful knee surgery

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Mets southpaw Johan Santana underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and should be ready for spring training.

Santana suffered a torn meniscus before his final start of the season on Saturday, a three-hit shutout against the Florida Marlins.

"Most important is that the operation was successful and that he'll be ready to go before spring training," general manager Omar Minaya said in a statement.

Santana, twice Cy Young Award winner and signed by the Mets to a six-year, $137.5 million contract in February, had a 16-7 record and major league-best 2.53 ERA this season.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Ed Osmond))