Manager Carlos Mendoza has yet to reveal his plans for the Mets’ starting rotation following the All-Star break on Friday in Miami, but said it has not yet been decided when Kodai Senga will return to the starting lineup.
Senga, who hasn’t pitched this season because of shoulder and triceps injuries, is scheduled to make a minor league rehab appearance for Syracuse on Sunday against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate.
Asked before Saturday’s 7-3 win over the Rockies whether the 2023 All-Star would be required to play at least one more minor league game after the break, Mendoza said, “That’s still up in the air.”
But he didn’t deny it.
“We need to help him. [Sunday]”We’ll have to see how he responds on Monday and Tuesday, probably by Tuesday,” Mendoza said, adding, “He’ll go 60 to 65.” [pitches]So the volume is up now. We’ll know more when he finishes it. [Sunday’s] Go out.”
Mark Vientos’ solo homer on Friday night was his ninth since the start of June and his 12th overall since starting the minor league season.
He didn’t make his season debut until April 27 but is an everyday third baseman for the team.
“I think we have a young guy here that’s developing and maturing at this level,” Mendoza said of Vientos, who was 0-for-4 on Saturday. “It’s been tough for him. He’s been through a lot, but credit to him, he’s made a great adjustment.”
“I know his ability to make an impact with the ball, but I feel like he’s becoming more of a baseball player now. He’s not going to try to do too much, even with runners in scoring position. He’s not afraid to hit it the other way, and when he does hit it, he hits it far. … So I’m grateful to him and the many coaches and people who have been with him all this time.”
