The Mets faced a defeat on Friday, but there’s some potential good news on the health front.
Kodai Senga has been diagnosed with a grade 1 hamstring strain, which is considered the least severe of such injuries. Manager Carlos Mendoza shared this update following their 7-5 loss to the Rays at Citifield.
Senga strained his hamstring while covering a base on Thursday, leading to his placement on the injured list the next day.
An MRI revealed the full extent of the injury.
“When I talk to the trainers, it seems like they’ve got some promising news,” Mendoza commented.
Mendoza also mentioned that Senga will be assessed after about two weeks of rest to see if he can start ramping up his activities.
Last season, Senga dealt with multiple injuries, including shoulder tension. He didn’t pitch until July after beginning the season on the injured list, only to be sidelined again due to calf tension, which kept him out until the postseason.
For the time being, Paul Blackburn, the team’s makeshift sixth starter, will take the mound in Atlanta on Wednesday, stepping in from the bullpen.
However, Blackburn had a tough outing on Friday, giving up four hits and four runs in just one-third of an inning.
Blackburn expressed concern about Senga’s injury, acknowledging how critical the right-hander has been, as he leads MLB with a 1.47 ERA over 13 starts. Still, he is looking forward to the chance to re-join the rotation. “It’s like stepping back into my comfort zone,” he told the Post. “It’s something I’ve always done in my career, and I’m setting up my routine for it.”
After returning from the injured list, Blackburn pitched five scoreless innings against the Dodgers on June 2. He was later moved to the bullpen but had a solid four-inning save in Colorado last Sunday.
“Injuries are part of the game, but we feel prepared to handle it,” Mendoza stated. “We have more players getting close to re-joining the team.”
On another note, Frankie Montas struggled in his rehab outing, allowing eight runs in one inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, raising concerns about his return to the rotation.
According to baseball president David Stearns, Montas will need more time in the minors before any decision can be made about activating him. He’s been recovering from a serious injury and has had a rough time in three starts with Syracuse.
“I think he feels like he’s getting back into shape,” Stearns remarked before Montas’ latest performance. “It was a significant injury, and he’s been working hard on his recovery. He’s still finding his rhythm, but physically, we are moving in the right direction.”
Sean Mania is in an even tougher spot, having started his rehab for oblique tension early in the week with Single A Brooklyn.
Stearns played down the notion of the Mets having an oversupply of starting pitchers.
With Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Griffin Canning performing well, alongside Tyler Megill, who has been effective enough to stay in the rotation, the situation remains promising.
“It’s quite rare for a team to have too many starting pitchers on their roster,” Stearns noted. “At some point this season, decisions may need to be made, which won’t be easy, but right now, I’m pleased with the group’s performance.”
