Spring Notes: Kodai Senga to Pitch Sunday

Photo by Ed Delaney, MMO

Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training for about two weeks now, and we’re starting to see some of the Mets’ primary starters make their way into action. Max Scherzer had his first start Sunday, and José Quintana pitched Tuesday. Justin Verlander will make his way into a game on Saturday, and now Buck Showalter announced Kodai Senga will make his spring debut this upcoming Sunday.

Fans will see Scherzer, Verlander, and Senga pitching three games in a row—a likely preview of the first series of the year.

Following Senga, Carlos Carrasco will be the last pitcher from the projected Opening Day starting rotation to appear in a game. Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte are the only other notable starters in general who haven’t appeared in a game yet. Nimmo has been working on the back fields and participating in live batting practice, and the Mets have been transparent about their careful plan for both players—especially Marte, who is recovering from core surgery.

Darin Ruf is Progressing

Darin Ruf received an injection in his wrist last week after he reported to camp with soreness. He said it was a lingering pain that’s happened throughout his career, but he wanted to nip it in the bud this season.

Showalter said Ruf’s progress has been “good,” and he said the team has a date in mind for when he’ll be in the lineup. As with Marte and Nimmo, though, Buck didn’t give the exact date yet.

Quintana Adjust to Pitch Clock

After his shaky performance to start the spring on Tuesday, José Quintana said today was a learning experience with the pitch clock. However, that’s what spring is for. He said he felt the pitch clock was an “adjustment,” noting that was actively thinking about getting pitches off with the clock running. Quintana recorded only two outs while giving up five runs.