Kodai Senga Injury Update: Mets star opens up on final rehab start after recovery, happy with physical fitness despite tough outing

Kodai Senga had a night to forget on Saturday when he turned up for the Syracuse Mets in his final scheduled rehab start. The pitcher also discussed his willingness to return to the MLB as soon as possible.

Kodai Senga was the Mets' best pitcher since last season. He earned an All-Star cap and went on to record 200+ strikeouts in a stellar rookie season. He was voted second for the NL Rookie of the Year award. But disaster struck toward the end of the offseason when the Japanese ace was reportedly facing a long-term injury because of a moderate capsular strain in his throwing shoulder.

Senga resumed Minor League Baseball action as he was cleared to return after being shut down. In the four games he has started, he has had a poor ERA of 4.15 with 12 hits allowed on 10.1 innings.

The last of those outings came on Saturday for Syracuse. Senga battled through to 79 pitches reaching a maximum velocity of 95 mph. He was successful in getting out of a bases loaded jam in the first before conceding a three-run homer to Brady House in the third innings. He also gave away an RBI single to Nats #1 prospect Dylan Crews.

Senga spoke to SNY TV, reviewing his performance and talking about his expected return.

"Biggest thing is, I feel good and my body feels good. My forkball didn't work today. I was trying out different things and they got to me," Senga said.

Kodai Senga is important to Mets' second half

Carlos Mendoza's side have been able to defy all the negativity and are ahead of the .500 PCT by the time of the All-Star break. They are currently 50-47 and just four games behind the Atlanta Braves in third place in the NL East. If they are to put forward a playoff run then they need their ace back. Kodai Senga spoke about wanting to get back to playing in the Queens:

"Having the opportunity to play at the highest level is a big deal to every single player. Being able to go back up there and perform is obviously exciting."

If Senga regains his 2023 form, then the Mets will look unstoppable. They face the Marlins in the second part of their four-game series on Sunday.