Kodai Senga is ready to take the next step on your road to recovery.
The Mets’ ace right-hander officially reported to the team’s facility in Port St. Lucie to face hitters during a live 20-pitch bullpen session on Sunday afternoon.
Senga has been able to work cleanly in a few bullpen sessions, but this will be the first time he has faced hitters since starting the process due to inflammation in his right triceps.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before the game on Saturday that they have not yet decided how many live BP sessions he will need before taking the next step, and will continue to take it day by day.
“We will try to overcome tomorrow and see how he comes back after and how he recovers, and then we will make the decision. We will listen to him and take it one step at a time,” said the captain.
Senga still has a long way to go and he isn’t expected to return to the top of the big league until at least after the All-Star break, but the fact that he’s been able to progress this far is certainly encouraging.
With their drastic turnaround in recent weeks, the Mets are back in the playoff picture, but getting it back sooner rather than later would certainly be a huge boost.
The 31-year-old winger was absolutely spectacular during his first season with the team, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting after pitching to a 2.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while striking out 202 batters .
