Mets pitcher Kodai Senga pitched 4 2/3 innings on Sunday in his third minor league rehab outing.
Out all season due to a troublesome right shoulder, the New York right-hander threw 40 of his 66 pitches for strikes in his second start for Triple-A Syracuse. Senga gave up two singles, walked two, and struck out three. The lone run came on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, marking the first run scored against Senga in his rehab appearances.
Previously, he struck out three over 2 2/3 scoreless innings on July 9 and had six strikeouts in 2 2/3 hitless innings during his first start on July 3.
“It’s a gradual progression,” said New York manager Carlos Mendoza. “We’ll see how he responds in the coming days so we can decide on his next steps.”
Expected to be the Mets’ top pitcher this season, Senga has been sidelined since early spring training with a right shoulder capsule strain.
While there’s no exact timetable for his return, Senga is anticipated to rejoin the Mets’ rotation by late July or early August. The Mets plan to switch to a six-man rotation once Senga returns.
“We’ve missed him all year,” Mendoza added. “We want to ensure we proceed cautiously and get it right. Senga will play a significant role in our decision-making.”
Last season, Senga posted a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts, his debut season with the Mets after arriving from Japan. He struck out 202 batters in 166 1/3 innings, finishing as the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
