Senga Faces Live Batters for First Time Since Injury

Updated Post: Mon. Apr. 29 at 4:13 PM

Kodai Senga faced live batters for the first time since landing on the IL during Spring Training in February. According to Tim Healey of Newsday, Senga threw around 20 pitches to minor-league hitters. Anthony DiComo of MLB noted Senga would need to do this twice more before being sent on a rehab assignment. 

Through his interpreter, Senga noted he threw his fastball in the mid-90s and felt good afterward. He expects to return to the club when he is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on May 27, assuming all goes according to plan. 

Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that he watched his bullpen before Senga took the mound. He said, “he looked loose and threw all his pitches without hesitation.” Mendoza seemed pleased with Senga’s progress, but noted the biggest thing is seeing how Senga, “bounces back and feels tomorrow and the following day.”

Original Post: Fri. Apr. 26 at 3:29 PM

On Friday afternoon, the New York Mets received some good news regarding the progressions of Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill as they work their way back from injuries. 

Per MLB.com Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, Senga threw an up-down bullpen session on Thursday and will face live batters for the first time this year on Monday. It’s a significant step forward for the Mets ace, who has been out of action due to a shoulder capsule strain he suffered shortly after spring training began. New York was counting on him to be their ace in 2024, but the injury temporarily halted those plans. While the Mets’ teamwide ERA stands at ninth in MLB (3.53), the rotation has struggled to give the team innings and limit their walks. Their rotation could use Senga’s help as soon as possible. 

As for Megill, he is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday as he will throw two innings for Single-A Brooklyn. After Senga’s injury, the Mets were hoping Megill would step up in his absence after he beat out José Butto for the final spot in the rotation out of spring training. However, in his first start of the regular season against the Milwaukee Brewers, he only went four innings, and it was later revealed that he suffered a shoulder strain. Butto was called up in his place and has produced a 1.65 ERA through three starts. 

The Mets also announced that J.D. Martinez was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and is in the lineup for their game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He will bat in the No. 5 spot right behind Pete Alonso.