Kodai Senga of the Mets set to pitch in his first rehab game following a spine injury.

Kodai Senga Takes a Step Forward in Rehab

WASHINGTON — Kodai Senga is gearing up for the next stage of his recovery.

The Mets’ right-handed pitcher is set to take the mound on Friday against Single-A St. Lucie. This outing will be his first minor league rehab start since he was placed on injured reserve on April 27 due to lumbar spondylitis.

Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Senga is expected to pitch around 50 to 60 throws over the course of four innings. However, he also pointed out that it’s still too early to determine if Senga will need the full 30-day rehab duration.

This season hasn’t been easy for Senga, who has started five games but currently has a high ERA of 9.00. He was diagnosed with lower back inflammation in April after a trio of disappointing performances.

Senga began the season within the Mets’ rotation and is one of two players currently on the injured list; the other being Clay Holmes, who fractured his right fibula.

In a related note, Sean Manaea has been shifted to a mop-up role in the bullpen.

On another front, the Mets have seen mixed performances from their recent call-ups from Syracuse. Christian Scott has started five games, posting a 4.12 ERA, while Zach Thornton made his debut this week, giving up four earned runs in just over four innings.

Mark Vientos shone during a recent game, making a remarkable diving stop at first base to keep CJ Abrams from scoring the tying run, helping the Mets secure a 2-1 victory over the Nationals.

Mendoza praised Vientos, stating, “I have to give him a lot of credit because he’s been working hard every day with the coaching staff, and he’s gotten so much better. He’s comfortable. That wasn’t an easy play. It was a bullet, but he took a good first step. His overall awareness, particularly with plays like the bunt, shows that he’s doing a lot right.”

Looking ahead, AJ Minter is likely set for what may be his final rehab appearance on Saturday against Syracuse. The left-handed reliever has been dealing with hip discomfort following his rehab from latissimus dorsi surgery and hasn’t played for the Mets since April 2025.