Kodai Senga is hoping to pitch this weekend.
This will just be a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse, but the hope is that it will lead to him returning to the Mets staff in some role by the postseason.
“That's my goal,” Senga said through an interpreter Wednesday at Citi Field. “I need to give 100 percent.”
This has been the biggest challenge for Senga and the Mets this season, as Senga has pitched just one time for the Mets this year, sidelined first by shoulder inflammation and then by a calf injury.
“We've got to make sure we check all the boxes,” Senga said before the Mets recorded a thumping 10-0 sweep of the Nationals.
Senga said he is “probably 70 to 80 percent” healthy and that if he can pitch one inning against Syracuse this weekend he will know if he's ready to play.
“I've put all my effort in and I've put all my time into this and if it doesn't work out I'll be in the dugout cheering on my teammates,” Senga said. “So I've got to make this a success.”
Carlos Mendoza remains cautiously optimistic about Senga's return, as did team president David Stearns earlier this week, but the Mets aren't necessarily hopeful.
“One thing I've learned is with Senga you never know what's going to happen,” the coach said. “Some days he's good, some days he needs to rest a day or two. You have to wait for the guy. … I don't want to put pressure on him. I don't know when that will be, but we just need a healthy guy.”
The rotation is going well even without Senga.
Since the beginning of September, Mets starting pitchers have posted a 6-1 record with a 1.90 ERA.
Senga reiterated his willingness to pitch in any role, but Stearns said he would probably pitch as an opener because he is not accustomed to relief appearances.
“We're in great form and we need to do whatever it takes to come back 100 percent,” Senga said. “I can't let the team down by going in less than 100 percent.”
