Mets’ Kodai Senga Shows Promising Performance in Grapefruit League

PORT SAINT LUCIE — Kodai Senga’s second outing in the Grapefruit League mirrored his impressive start from last season’s first half.

The right-handed pitcher delivered three flawless innings during the Mets’ 1-0 defeat against the Marlins, striking out five and throwing 38 pitches before exiting. Interestingly, after the game, Senga reportedly threw an additional 30 pitches in the bullpen.

Last season, he had a stellar 1.39 ERA before the All-Star break but struggled afterward and was sent down to the minors in September.

During this game, Senga’s four-seam fastball averaged 96.5 mph.

He also recorded a pitch speed of 98.6 mph, which he maintained from his first Grapefruit League start last weekend.

“I’m healthy, and I think that’s the most important thing,” Senga noted through an interpreter.

Clay Holmes joined him later, pitching five innings with 62 pitches, preparing himself for the regular season. He had recently left Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, citing concerns about his innings.

“I had to make a difficult decision, but it was the right one,” Holmes expressed.

Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor began taking batting practice alongside shortstop AJ Minter for the first time since his surgery on the left hamate bone last month. The Mets are hopeful that Lindor will be ready for Opening Day. According to David Stearns, the team’s director of baseball operations, Lindor needs to appear in a game this spring to be cleared for the season opener.

Tyrone Taylor mentioned his intention to change his jersey number soon, possibly before the season kicks off. Reports suggest that the Mets will retire Carlos Beltran’s No. 15 jersey on a yet-to-be-announced date, forcing Taylor—who currently wears that number—to check with clubhouse manager Kevin Kiersto about available numbers.

Additionally, Luis Robert Jr. had another go in center field, playing for six innings in his second Grapefruit League game. His debut was just a day before the Mets took precautions to strengthen his leg.