Kodai Senga Set to Return to Triple-A for Second Rehab StartKodai Senga Set to Return to Triple-A for Second Rehab Start The New York Mets have been eagerly anticipating the return of star pitcher Kodai Senga, and his recent performance in his first rehab start suggests he is close to making a full recovery. Senga, a Japanese right-hander, threw 2.2 hitless innings with six strikeouts for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones on Wednesday. His fastball reached 97 mph, matching his top speed from last season. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has announced that Senga will move to Triple-A Syracuse for his second rehab start, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9. He is expected to throw around 50 pitches and potentially require 2-3 additional starts to extend his pitch count to 75-80 before he can be activated from the injured list. Senga has been sidelined since late February with shoulder and triceps injuries, which resurfaced in May and delayed his comeback. In 2023, he recorded a 12-8 record, 2.98 ERA, and 202 strikeouts in 29 starts, earning him the runner-up spot for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. The Mets had hoped Senga would be their ace this season, but his spring setback prevented that. However, his return later this month will be a significant boost to their rotation as they aim to secure a Wild Card spot in the NL.
The New York Mets have been without their star player all season, but it’s starting to look like he’ll be back.
Japanese right-handed starter Kodai Senga made his first rehab start for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones on Wednesday and looked impressive. Senga dominated with six strikeouts in 2.2 hitless innings on just 35 pitches.
Senga’s speed was back to last season’s high of 97mph (156km/h) as the 31-year-old was very sharp in his first live match of the year.
And it didn’t take long for the Mets to decide what his next move would be. As manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Thursday, Senga will move to Triple-A Syracuse for his second rehab start, which will likely take place on Tuesday, July 9. He’s expected to throw about 50 pitches as he continues to work toward a mid- to late-July return. The Mets also want Senga to reach 75-80 pitches before activating him from the IL, which could require 2-3 additional rehab starts to stretch him to that point.
A month ago, the Mets were believed to have Senga back shortly after the All-Star break, in two weeks. Senga has been sidelined since late February with shoulder and triceps injuries. He was forced to sit out in May when the triceps problem resurfaced, delaying his comeback.
Senga had a 12-8 record, 2.98 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 202 strikeouts in 29 starts over 166.1 innings in 2023. He was the runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year Award last season and the Mets had high hopes for him to be their ace in 2024.
The Mets expected Senga to make the majority of starts this year, but his spring setback spoiled that.
New York has bounced back to just 1.5 games behind the final Wild Card spot in the NL. It will be a huge boost to their rotation if Senga rejoins the club later this month.
