The Mets have faced challenges in 2024. At the start of the season, their roster was capable of either contending for a playoff spot or being dismantled by the trade deadline.
Despite their struggles, mainly due to injuries, and being eight games under .500 (29-37), they are only 3.5 games behind the final wild-card spot and are starting to see some players return.
Francisco Álvarez came off the injured list on Tuesday after missing time since April with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb. All-star closer Edwin Díaz, who had been dealing with a right shoulder impingement, rejoined the team on Thursday. Additionally, the Mets’ ace is nearing a return to action.
Mets’ Kodai Senga completes a bullpen session
Before the Mets’ 10-4 victory over the Miami Marlins, Kodai Senga, who has not yet played this season due to a shoulder strain sustained in February, threw approximately 30 pitches in a bullpen session.
“Everything’s going well. It’s progressing well,” Senga said through an interpreter. “My understanding is we’ll move to live batting practice and then to a rehab assignment at some point.”
(1) New York Post Sports on X: “Kodai Senga was asked if he’s confident he’ll pitch this season in the majors: “Yes.”
The Japanese pitcher threw 166.1 innings across 29 starts in his debut season for the Mets, achieving a 2.98 ERA with a 1.220 WHIP and 202 strikeouts. His performance earned him a trip to the all-star game, a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, and seventh place in the National League Cy Young Award race.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza previously mentioned that Senga likely wouldn’t pitch until after the all-star break, which runs from July 15-18. While it remains uncertain when Senga will return, his progress is a positive sign for a Mets rotation that might see significant changes by the trade deadline.
