Insider Reports the Latest on Kodai Senga for the Mets

Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets watches from the dugout during the ninth inning of of game one of a double header against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field on April 4, 2024 in New York City.

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Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets watches from the dugout during the ninth inning of of game one of a double header against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field on April 4, 2024 in New York City.
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The New York Mets have been inconsistent, but they are 13-11 and in third place of the NL East. They have been surprisingly competitive despite offseason (and 2023) personnel losses, injuries, and other circumstances. The pitching, which was expected to be a liability, has been surprisingly solid. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have their ace back eventually. That distinction falls on Kodai Senga. He excelled last year as a rookie, with a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 166.1 innings. During spring training, however, he complained of shoulder tightness and was shut down. He was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. After rehabbing for a few weeks and throwing multiple bullpens, he is now ready for the next step in his recovery.

“Mets rehab updates: Kodai Senga (shoulder capsule strain) threw an up-down bullpen yesterday and is scheduled to face hitters for the first time on Monday. Tylor Megill (shoulder strain) is due to begin a minor league rehab assignment Saturday with two innings at Brooklyn,” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.

Monday will mark a big test for the talented right-hander. The owner of the “ghost forkball” will be facing hitters for the first time in multiple weeks, likely in a live batting practice setting. He will need to do that a couple of times before graduating to a rehab assignment. Since Senga missed virtually all of spring training, that assignment is expected to take most, if not all of the month-long window. Still, New York is willing to be patient because the team wants him fully healed for what will come.

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