Kodai Senga may be one step closer to returning to Mets after the right-hander threw another successful pitch out of the bullpen on Wednesday.
The hope for New York now is that Senga faces live hitters his next time on the mound, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters before Wednesday’s series finale against the Texas Rangers.
“He threw his bullpen, now we’ll see how the next few days unfold and hopefully he faces hitters the next time he touches a mound,” Mendoza said.
It’s not yet known exactly when the next time will be, but Mendoza said it could be Sunday or Monday and that “hopefully that’s the next step.”
The 31-year-old hasn’t pitched all season due to a torn shoulder capsule he suffered during spring training that landed him on the 60-day IL.
However, if Senga pitches to live hitters during his next pitching session, it would mark the first time he has done so since his injury and would certainly be a step in the right direction for a return this season.
Senga’s return to the Mets would be a huge boost for a team that has rebounded recently and enters Wednesday on a seven-game winning streak that has propelled them back into the Wild Card race.
