Before Tuesday’s series opener in Baltimore, the New York Mets shared an update on the recovery progress of two of their top starting pitchers.
Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that right-hander Kodai Senga is scheduled to make his return on Friday against the Royals in Kansas City. While Senga won’t face any strict inning limits, Mendoza noted that the team does plan to monitor his workload with a set pitch count.
Kodai Senga, 32, has been sidelined since June 12 after suffering a Grade 1 strain in his right hamstring while covering first base. The 2023 All-Star made just one rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, throwing 68 pitches and giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks, while striking out four over 3.2 innings.
Before the injury, Senga had been dominant in 2024, going 7-3 with a league-leading 1.47 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and a 1.11 WHIP across 73.2 innings in his first 13 starts. However, a series of injuries to his shoulder, calf, and triceps has limited him to only one regular-season appearance this year.
Manager Carlos Mendoza also mentioned that left-hander Sean Manaea is expected to make his season debut on Sunday, provided his rehab outing on Tuesday goes smoothly. Veteran righty Clay Holmes is also scheduled to pitch that day, and the Mets plan to have both on the mound, with one serving in a piggyback role out of the bullpen.
Sean Manaea, 33, emerged as the Mets’ top starter last season in Senga’s absence, finishing 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA over a career-best 181.2 innings. He struck out 24.9% of batters while walking 8.5%.
His strong performance earned him a three-year, $75 million contract in free agency. However, he’s yet to pitch this season due to a right oblique strain suffered early in spring training. Tuesday will be his sixth rehab outing and his second at the Triple-A level since starting the assignment on June 7.
Manaea’s last Triple-A appearance was on June 20, when he gave up just one run on two hits, struck out seven, and retired the final 15 batters he faced over 5.1 innings. However, an MRI later revealed a loose body in his left elbow, prompting a brief pause in his rehab. He made his return with a Double-A start on July 2.
The Mets’ pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries, particularly in recent weeks, but the impending returns of Senga and Manaea come at a crucial time. With the All-Star break approaching, their presence should give the team a much-needed boost. After wrapping up their series finale against the Royals on Sunday, the Mets will enjoy a four-day break.
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