Senga, Peterson Dominate as Mets and Marlins Tie

The New York Mets took the field at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie on Monday with Kodai Senga seeing real game action for the first time since he recorded just 10 1/3 innings in 2024, including the postseason. Senga and the Mets went up against the Marlins, who started Connor Gillispie. It was a pitchers’ duel, with the teams ending the game in a 1-1 tie.

An efficient first inning in which he threw 15 pitches—11 of which were strikes—allowed Senga to stay in the game for a second inning of work. Senga got the first two outs with ease before allowing a slow infield single which was awkwardly played by Pete Alonso. It was no bother for Senga as he erased the next batter quickly and retired the side.

In his two innings of work, Senga threw 31 pitches (20 strikes), allowed two hits, no walks, and recorded two strikeouts. His fastball hovered around 95 miles per hour in what was a positive outing regarding Senga’s health entering this season.

Senga was followed out of the bullpen by David Peterson, who also made his first Grapefruit League appearance this spring. Peterson looked sharp, consistently pounding the strike zone and keeping opposing hitters off the basepaths. In three innings of work, Peterson threw 37 pitches (25 strikes) and allowed no runs on a hit and zero walks while striking out five.

Despite the strong outings from Senga and Peterson, the Mets’ bats couldn’t capitalize early on. Their lineup included many of their top guys, yet their first baserunner that didn’t reach via an error was with one out in the fifth inning. Connor Gillispie and Janson Junk each recorded two innings without allowing a walk or a hit before Xzavion Curry got into trouble in the fifth by allowing a walk and a single. Still, the Mets couldn’t bring the runners home, keeping it a scoreless game.

The 0-0 tie was finally broken in the top of the sixth inning, which was an unlucky one for José Buttó. He didn’t give up much hard contact (the hardest hit against him was 82.7 miles per hour), but he nevertheless allowed two infield singles and a blooper over shortstop to drive a runner home.

The Mets answered right back in the bottom of the inning, instantly getting a runner on third after José Azócar singled and advanced after the ball got past the center fielder. After a Francisco Lindor lineout, prospect Simon Juan hit a sacrifice fly out to center field to even the game.

TJ Shook, Huascar Brazobán, Max Kranick, and Tyler Zuber all entered in relief for the Mets as they tried to keep the Marlins at one run. Kranick, who has already had a spectacular spring, impressed with three strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. The relief staff succeeded in keeping the Marlins to their one run, but with the Mets’ offense unable to capitalize, the result was a 1-1 tie.

Player of the Game: David Peterson

As good as Peterson looked in 2024, there’s always a little bit of hesitation when it comes to him, considering he’s alternated good and bad years each year he’s been in the majors. If Monday was any indication, however, 2025 could be an even better year for him if he manages to stay healthy. He looks sharp and ready to be a staple in a rotation reeling with injuries.

Injury Updates

The Mets provided updates on two key players before Monday’s game. Outfield prospect Drew Gilbert, who was marredby injury in 2024, might not appear in any Grapefruit League games this spring. The Mets want to take it slow with Gilbert, though they expect him to be ready for the start of the minor league season.

Additionally, Brandon Nimmo has been dealing with a sore right knee, explaining why he has not seen any Grapefruit League action since his lone appearance on Friday. Carlos Mendoza called it a “low level of concern,” though, and he expects Nimmo to be in Tuesday’s lineup.

On Deck

The Mets will travel to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter on Tuesday to take on the Cardinals, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. Pitching matchups are to be determined. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and can also be listened to on Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM.

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