Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK — The Mets have delayed the return of their top pitcher.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Sunday that Kodai Senga (shoulder) will need a few more bullpen sessions before progressing to facing hitters. And on Monday The Athletic announced that Senga (shoulder) won’t face hitters again until he works through some mechanical issues.
The right-hander threw 32 pitches in a live bullpen session last weekend, but he apparently wasn’t satisfied with how it went.
Senga will take a step back in his throwing program and go back to more controlled bullpen sessions without hitters involved until he’s sure he won’t be developing any bad habits as he progresses from a shoulder strain.
While the caution is smart in the long run, the hiccup will almost certainly ensure that Senga won’t be ready to join the Mets rotation when he’s first eligible to come off the 60-day injured list in late May.
“He said he feels fine [and] his arm feels good,” Mendoza said before the Mets finished their series against the Braves at Citi Field on Sunday. “He keeps saying he’s not feeling his mechanics are there and doesn’t want to push it till he finds that rhythm.
“Just to make sure he can repeat his delivery. This is a guy that knows himself better than anybody and is meticulous about his delivery and mechanics.”
The 31-year-old was the Mets best pitcher a year ago after signing a five-year, $75 million deal. He has a player opt-out following the 2025 season if he pitches 400 innings by the end of next year. But he’s tossed just 166 ¹/₃ innings in 2023.
