Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is set to make another start in Triple-A on Thursday as he reworks his mechanics in an effort to get back to the big leagues.
While it remains unclear when Senga will return to the majors, or in what role, manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that the right-hander may not be part of the team's postseason pitching staff, if they make it.
"I wouldn't say definitely," Mendoza said. "I think we'll have the conversations and we'll take the best 13 guys that we feel are going to give us the best chance to win baseball games in October. In the meantime, we got ten more and we'll continue to treat it that way.
"But Senga, I think the biggest thing is for him to go out there today and have a good performance, and then we have decisions there."
In his first start with Syracuse on Sept. 12, Senga allowed one run on three hits over 6.0 innings (74 pitches) with eight strikeouts and no walks. His stuff looked good, including getting 11 whiffs on 11 swings with his forkball over 17 pitches.
"I like the fact that there was no walks last time when he pitched in Triple-A," Mendoza said. "Getting ahead, using all of his pitches. He got swing and misses with the split. I think it starts with him throwing strike one and then staying on the attack."
President of baseball operations David Stearnssaid Tuesday that Senga needs to show he can "consistently get major league hitters out," emphasizing that "results always matter."
Senga had struggled mightily before consenting to a minor league stint, owning a 6.56 ERA over 35.2 innings across eight starts from July 21 to Aug. 31. During that stretch, he allowed 39 hits, including eight homers, and 22 walks.
New York has 10 games left to play in the regular season, including Thursday's matchup against the Padres, and remain in possession of the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. Senga could potentially help the Mets out of the bullpen if they make the playoffs, but he'll need to keep proving he belongs while in the minors.
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