Kodai Senga pitched like his dominant self in his return to the mound.
In his first rehab appearance of 2024, the 31-year-old struck out six in 2 ²/₃ scoreless, hitless innings for the Mets’ High-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones.
Senga’s 35-pitch outing Wednesday night marked his first time facing hitters in a game this year after being sidelined with a shoulder injury for all of spring training.
Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws in the first inning during a rehab start with the Brooklyn Cyclones. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“Just very glad I was able to get through without any accidents,” Senga said, adding that his shoulder felt “good.”
The velocity from last year’s NL Rookie of the Year runner-up mirrored his impressive 2023, Senga regularly touching 97 mph with his fastball and generating whiffs via his signature forkball, cutter and curve.
Wednesday was a particularly big step considering there have been a slew of setbacks during Senga’s five-month healing process.
The Mets ace faced hitters in bullpen sessions April 29 and in early May, but his comeback was halted because of mechanical qualms.
When asked about his mechanics Wednesday, Senga said he made “adjustments here and there” in Brooklyn but suggested the process was ongoing.
Kodai Senga struck out six in the outing. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“Throughout today, I was able to figure out what was good, and what wasn’t as good,” the 2023 All-Star said. “And I know I have at least a couple more outings before I get back to the big leagues. Within those couple outings, I need to make some more adjustments to get back there.”
As for those upcoming changes, Senga mentioned honing in on offspeed pitch command and location.
“Fastball and the forkball felt really good,” Senga said, “but the spin pitches I was missing here and there. I know that if those aren’t perfected at the big-league level, they could turn into extra-base hits.”
Kodai Senga didn’t allow any runs to score in the abbreviated outing. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTEven amid a spotless start, Senga was noncommittal on a return date, citing a desire to build up his pitch count.
“Try not to think too far ahead,” Senga said. “I know I have a couple more milestones to hit before that. I want to take it one day at a time, one game at a time.”
The second-year pitcher added that, “if everything goes well,” he believed his next game would be with a different minor league affiliate.
Mets pitcher Kodai Senga acknowledges the fans after being pulled in the third inning. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“Today went well, and we need to check some more boxes [Thursday],” Senga said. “I think things will clear up more [Thursday] and the day after and getting closer to the next outing.”
The righty was initially diagnosed with a moderate posterior capsule strain Feb. 22, putting his status for Opening Day in jeopardy.
He was then shut down for three weeks after receiving a PRP injection March 13 and was moved to the 60-day injured list April 10.
Kodai Senga struck out six in the outing. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTThe Japan native was strong in his first year stateside, posting a 2.98 ERA and 10.93 strikeouts per nine innings in 29 starts.
In Senga’s absence, the Mets’ rotation has generally struggled, posting a 4.36 ERA — which ranks 21st in baseball.
Only three Mets — Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana — have made 10-plus starts this season. Senga lauded his teammates’ efforts without him.
Kodai Senga went down in spring training with the injury. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“They’re doing a great job keeping the rotation up,” Senga said. “I obviously want to get back there as soon as possible, but also in a healthy state.”
It may have been against High-A players, but Senga called the rehab outing a “big difference” facing live hitters in the box.
“I don’t want to get hit,” Senga said. “Competitiveness definitely comes out.”
