Products You May Like
Kodai Senga appears ready to take the next step in his build-up for the season.
The right-hander told Mika Puma of the New York Post that he expects to make his first Grapefruit League start next week.
The Mets have been playing things relatively cautiously with Senga to this point in camp, but early reports and feedback have indicated that his buildup and health have been progressing as planned.
He was able to reach up to three innings during his live BP session on Wednesday at Clover Park.
Senga, of course, was limited to just one start last season due to injuries. He missed time at the beginning of the year with a right shoulder capsule strain and then suffered a calf strain while fielding his position against the Braves in his first outing back.
The 32-year-old was able to return down the stretch in the postseason, but he showed clear signs of rust, allowing seven runs and issuing seven walks in just three appearances.
But now that he’s back fully healthy, a productive Senga is of the utmost importance for a Mets rotation that is already missing Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas to injuries to begin the year.
Senga finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in Cy Young voting after pitching to a stellar 2.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while striking out 202 batters two years ago.