WASHINGTON — Kodai Senga passed his first test in a minor-league rehab appearance and will move up two levels for his next test.
The Mets right-hander is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse next week, possibly as soon as Tuesday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, and will throw 50 pitches.
Senga threw 35 pitches, reaching a velocity of 97 mph, in a rehab appearance for High-A Brooklyn on Wednesday, striking out six and allowing no hits in 2 1/3 innings.
“The reports have all been positive,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 1-0 loss to the Nationals on Thursday. “He’s done well. He’s had the velocity, he’s used all of his pitches. He’s trending in a good direction.”
Mendoza said he plans to get Senga in the 75-80 pitch range before using him.
Senga has not pitched for the Mets this season due to a shoulder injury he suffered early in spring training.
Mendoza said Harrison Bader is available off the bench after missing his second straight start after colliding with the outfield fence on Tuesday.
Tyrone Taylor started in center field and Ben Gamel in right field, but they combined to go hitless in six at-bats.
J.D. Martinez got his scheduled day of rest after the night game, and the team used left-handed hitter D.J. Stewart to face Jake Irvin.
This was Stewart’s second appearance since June 23rd.
Stewart, who walked in the second inning, was one of two Mets batters to reach base.
Jeff McNeil singled in the third inning for the Mets’ only hit.
Pitching coach Jeremy Heffner said Edwin Diaz pitched in simulated games Sunday and Wednesday to maintain his strength during a 10-game suspension for having a sticky substance on his right hand. Diaz’s suspension is scheduled to end before Saturday’s game.
The Mets have played one man down in each of their past nine games.
The Mets announced that longtime team photographer Mark Levine has passed away.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Levine,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “He was the longest-tenured photographer in franchise history. Mark documented every Mets moment for the past 35 years. He had a kind heart and incredible photographic sense. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”
