PORT ST. Lucy — With Kodai Senga's broad-faced smile on Saturday, he told the story more than any metric as he walked from the mound at Cloverfield towards the Mets dugout.
It was an inning of live batting practice, but it was a good start for a right-handed person.
“The fact that he is facing this batter early in camp is a good sign,” coach Carlos Mendoza said. “He was already enjoyable with the way he used all his pitches and the ball came out. Delivery, everything seemed good.”
No radar measurements were posted during the session, but Jeff McNeil said Senga's fastball was in the mid-90s.
Senga closed last year due to shoulder tension early in camp and didn't sell the Mets until late July. Upon his return, he tensed the calf on his left and stood by as far as the postseason.
The Mets look forward to Senga's progress this spring.
“[Senga] There was a smile on his face,” Mendoza said. “That's a good sign.”
According to Mendoza, Sterling Marte could be on a slower path in spring training. He has maintained a bone bruise last season and has increased strength to his right knee, which took two months on the injured list.
Mendoza said Marte is involved in all baseball activities but will not play early in the Grapefruitreug season.
The Mets have a complete outfield, but Mendoza plans to have Marte platoon in DH along with Jesse Turniker.
Sometimes Juan Soto is slotted as DH, there's an opportunity for Marte to play the correct field.
Mendoza said Marte also volunteered to play centres if necessary. Marte started one game for the Mets at Center Field in 2023. This was the last time he played.
Brett Baty has been slotted for 3 bases and 2 bases in exhibition season, but Mendoza said there is a debate about the grounder who will take Baty on a short stop in the backfield.
Soto is expected to exercise with his team for the first time this spring before he asks questions from reporters.
My first full squad workout is Monday.
