Kodai Senga Dominates First Rehab Start

Heading into the 2024 season, the New York Mets were counting on Kodai Senga to follow up his strong rookie season and be the ace of the staff. However, things took a turn at the beginning of Spring Training as Senga suffered a right posterior capsule strain in his shoulder that has kept him out of action.

On Thursday, Senga returned to a pitching mound for the first time this season and faced opposing live batters for his first rehab assignment. His outing was encouraging for the Mets as he struck out six in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Senga Impresses In Rehab Assignment

Senga’s rehab assignment was a good step for his long awaited return to the Mets starting rotation. Taking the mound for the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park, Senga showcased glimpses of his 2023 form in his brief outing. He threw 35 pitches, with an impressive 25 strikes. Senga struck out two in the first inning, two more in the second, and two in the third. His fastball reached a commendable 98 mph, and his ghostfork was effective. He also incorporated his cutter and curveball into his pitches. 

This is a good step in the right direction for Senga in what has been a long road back. Displaying some form of what made the Mets so high on him just a year ago was also a good step. It will still be a while until Senga is ready to take a big league mound again.

The expectation is it will be sometime after the All-Star break. The Mets starting rotation could use him soon, and Wednesday’s performance was encouraging. 

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