NEW YORK – Johan Santana is taking a break, whether he wants to or not.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a sprained right ankle, the latest setback for the fading New York Mets since the All-Star break.

Santana has struggled mightily since Reed Johnson of the Chicago Cubs stepped on his foot July 6 on a play at first base. The left-hander was hit hard for the third straight start Friday night in a 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Manager Terry Collins said afterward the team was looking for a way to get some “energy” back in his arm.

Santana missed last season following major shoulder surgery. He is 6-7 with a 3.98 ERA in 19 starts.

“We knew in spring training that there might be a time this summer when he has to get shut down,” Collins said. “Well, now is going to be that time.”

General Manager Sandy Alderson said Santana probably won’t pitch again until at least Aug. 7, when the Mets return home from an 11-game trip out West.

“Definitely, it’s tough. I didn’t want to go on the DL. I want to keep pitching and competing,” Santana said. “They decided it’s better for me to take some time off and that’s what we’re going to do.”

WHITE SOX: Chicago acquired Houston reliever Brett Myers for two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.

RAYS: Tampa Bay placed designated hitter Luke Scott on the 15-day disabled list because of an injury to his right side and recalled left-handed reliever Cesar Ramos from Triple-A Durham.

PIRATES: Pittsburgh recalled right-handed reliever Evan Meek from Triple-A Indianapolis and placed reliever Juan Cruz on the disabled list because of right shoulder inflammation.

INDIANS: Pitcher Roberto Hernandez was suspended for three weeks by Major League Baseball for age and identity fraud.

Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti said Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, has received a visa to return to the United States and that he would be eligible to rejoin the team Aug. 11.

CUBS: Matt Garza was taken out after three scoreless innings against St. Louis because of cramping in his right triceps.

ORIOLES: Baltimore added newly acquired infielder Omar Quintanilla to its 25-man roster and designated outfielder Steve Pearce for assignment.

DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona activated right-hander Takashi Saito from the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-hander Jonathan Albaladejo to Triple-A Reno.

ROYALS: Kansas City optioned left-handed pitcher Francisley Bueno to Triple-A Omaha.