The New York Mets are breathing a sigh of relief after Kodai Senga made a successful rehab start on Saturday night, signaling a possible return to the rotation as early as next weekend. After spending time on the injured list due to a strained right hamstring, Senga’s performance in his first game back was promising, showing that the Mets may have one of their key pitchers back in action much sooner than expected.
What Happened
Senga made his first appearance since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain during a game against the Washington Nationals on June 12. Pitching for Double-A Binghamton against the Hartford Yard Goats, Senga allowed four runs (three earned) over 3.2 innings. He threw 68 pitches, giving up six hits and two walks, while striking out four batters.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism about Senga’s health, noting that the right-hander “feels fine” and that the team was hopeful that Senga could be ready to make his next start for the Mets, potentially as soon as the upcoming weekend series in Kansas City.
“Physically, he feels fine, so we’ll see how today, tomorrow go, and then hopefully he’s making a start for us next time,” Mendoza said.
Senga has been a key part of the Mets’ rotation this season, with a 7-3 record and a stellar 1.47 ERA over 13 starts. His return could provide a much-needed boost to a Mets team that has been struggling with injuries to several starting pitchers.
Who Is Kodai Senga?
Kodai Senga, 32, is a highly respected pitcher from Japan who joined the Mets in 2023. Known for his impressive fastball and sweeping slider, Senga quickly became one of the team’s most reliable starters. He had a standout debut season in MLB and was seen as one of the key pillars in the Mets’ pitching rotation for the 2025 season.
Senga set a goal to pitch at least 162 innings this year, which would qualify him for MLB’s statistical leaderboards, signifying a healthy and full season. His strong early performances this season showcased his potential as a top-tier starter for the Mets, and his absence on the mound was acutely felt during his time on the IL.
Public or Family Reaction
The Mets’ fans and organization have been eagerly awaiting Senga’s return. His leadership in the rotation is highly valued, especially considering the struggles the team has faced with other injuries to their pitching staff. The Mets lost Tylor Megill to an elbow sprain, Griffin Canning to an Achilles injury, and Paul Blackburn to a shoulder impingement—all of which have left gaps in their rotation.
Teammates have rallied around Senga, showing support for his recovery and encouraging his swift return to the mound. The Mets’ need for a healthy starting pitcher has only intensified as the team fights to remain competitive.
Official Statement
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared his relief over Senga’s rehab success, noting the team’s high expectations for his return.
“He’s a big part of this team. He’s a big part of this rotation, and for us to be able to get him back this quickly is huge,” Mendoza said. “When he went down, I was thinking after the All-Star break, so to have him in play for us now before we go on the break is huge for us.”
Additionally, the team is looking forward to a potential return from left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea, who has been rehabbing from an oblique strain. Manaea is set to make what could be his final rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse before possibly being called up for the series in Kansas City.
Closing
The Mets are hopeful that with Senga’s return and the potential return of other injured players, they can get their season back on track. Senga’s rehab start has given the team and its fans renewed optimism, and his return to the mound could be the spark the Mets need in the second half of the season.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates on Kodai Senga’s return and other injury updates from the Mets as they work to recover from recent setbacks.
