New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with reporters on Monday and poured cold water over the idea that individuals within the club may have tried to rush starting pitcher Kodai Senga back into action this spring.
“I don’t think there’s been any disagreement,” Mendoza said about the situation, as shared by Dan Martin of the New York Post. “There’s conversations. We laid out a plan when he first went down in spring training and everybody was on board. We listen to some of his suggestions.”
Senga has yet to make his 2024 regular-season debut as he continues his recovery from the moderate capsule strain in the back of his right shoulder he suffered in spring training. More recently, the 31-year-old paused his rehab progress before he experienced nerve inflammation.
On Monday, Senga said while speaking through a translator that he needs to ensure he’s “at 100 percent at each benchmark” regarding future steps of his ongoing recovery.
“When he started throwing again and feeling good, then it was mechanics and then triceps,” Mendoza continued during his comments on Senga. “Disagreement? Not really. He’s a unique case and he wants to be out there and hasn’t been able to get over the hump.”
Senga reported for spring training as New York’s advertised ace, but there’s now no timetable for when he may join the big league club’s rotation. Without his services, the Mets entered Tuesday at 22-30 and need a quick turnaround if they are to avoid a second consecutive summer fire sale.
“I think we’ve got a pretty frustrated player here that’s not able to contribute to the team,” Mendoza added about Senga. “We know how much he wants to be out there, helping the team and right now he’s not capable.”
While it’s hoped Senga could resume a throwing program as soon as Wednesday, it now seems there’s little chance he’ll be good to face opposing batters in meaningful MLB games by the middle of June.
If the Mets don’t get back to .500 over the next four weeks or so, shutting Senga down through at least the All-Star break may become the logical move for everyone involved.
