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.
