New York Mets right-handed pitcher Kodai Senga has decided to postpone his return to the team, despite being physically fit. Senga, who was sent to Triple-A to work on his mechanics, was hoping to rejoin the team on September 20th, but doesn’t feel ready to compete at the Major League level.
After pitching 3.2 innings and allowing four runs for the Syracuse in Triple-A, Senga has opted to face hitters in a simulated session next week. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated that the team is determining the location for this session, as Senga cannot be with the Major League team while in the minors.
Senga’s situation has generated uncertainty, as his first start in Triple-A was promising, but his second outing showed a significant setback. Mendoza commented that Senga’s performance in terms of velocity and execution was not as expected, which has led the pitcher to seek more time to work on his problems.
This isn’t the first time Senga, 32, has expressed doubts about his ability to pitch in Major League games while healthy. Last season, mechanical problems delayed his debut, and this year, a hamstring injury interrupted his good start. After his return, his performance has been irregular, which has led the Mets to send him to Triple-A.Mets right-hander Kodai Senga took a step back in his Triple-A start on Thursday, allowing four runs in 3.2 innings.Mendoza has reiterated that Senga is physically well, but the team has been unable to help him resolve his mechanical or execution problems. Senga’s situation, along with the ineffectiveness of Sean Manaea and injuries to other starters, has forced the Mets to include three rookies in the rotation.
Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat have been called up to reinforce the team. McLean has stood out, while the role of Tong and Sproat is less clear. Senga’s return is uncertain, although Mendoza has mentioned the possibility of him playing in the final series against the Marlins, but this will depend on several factors.
