Kodai Senga showed his usual powerful pitching after returning to the mound.
In his first rehab start of 2024, the 31-year-old pitched 2 2/3 innings for the Mets’ High-A affiliate, Brooklyn Cyclones, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out six.
Senga threw 35 pitches on Wednesday night, facing batters in a game for the first time this year after missing all of spring training with a shoulder injury.
“I’m really happy I made it through without any incident,” Senga said, adding that his shoulder was feeling “good.”
Last year’s NL Rookie of the Year runner-up’s velocity reflects his impressive 2023 performance, with Senga’s fastball regularly reaching 97 mph and him eliciting strikeouts with his signature forkball, cutter and curveball.
Wednesday’s win was an especially big step considering Senga’s five-month recovery process has seen numerous setbacks.
The Mets ace faced batters in bullpen sessions on April 29 and again in early May, but mechanical issues stalled his return.
Asked about his mechanics on Wednesday, Senga said he made “adjustments here and there” in Brooklyn but suggested the process is ongoing.
“Through today, I was able to understand what went well and what went wrong,” the 2023 All-Star said. “I know I have at least two more starts to make before I get back to the major leagues, and those two starts are what I need to make some more adjustments to get back.”
As for future changes, Senga mentioned focusing on off-speed pitch control and pitching location.
“My fastball and forkball felt really good,” Senga said, “but my spin pitches were missing in places. I know that if I can’t perfect them at the major league level, they could lead to extra base hits.”
Despite his perfect start, Senga did not specify a timeline for his return, citing his desire to increase his pitch count.
“I try not to think too far ahead,” Senga said, “I know I still have some milestones to achieve before then, so I just want to take it one day at a time, one game at a time.”
The second-year pitcher added that “if all goes well,” his next game will be with another minor league affiliate.
“Today went well, but we still need to check a few boxes. [Thursday]”I think the situation will become clearer,” Senga said. [Thursday] And the next day, you’re getting closer to your next outing.”
The right-hander was diagnosed with a moderate posterior capsule injury on February 22 and his absence from the opening game was in doubt.
He then underwent a PRP injection on March 13, rested for three weeks, and was placed on the 60-day disabled list on April 10.
The Japan-born pitcher had a strong first season in the United States, posting a 2.98 ERA and 10.93 strikeouts per nine innings in 29 starts.
In Senga’s absence, the Mets’ starting pitchers have struggled overall, with a 4.36 ERA, 21st in the major leagues.
Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana are the only three Mets players to start more than 10 times this season, and Senga praised his teammates for the effort in his absence.
“They’ve done a great job of maintaining the rotation,” Senga said. “Obviously I want to come back as soon as possible, but I want to come back healthy.”
Although the opponents were High-A players, Senga said that making a rehab appearance made a “big difference” in getting to bat against real batters.
“I don’t want to get hit,” Senga said. “It definitely brings out that competitive spirit.”
