Mets provide updates on Kodai Senga, J.D. Martinez

Manager Carlos Mendoza shares timetables on starting pitcher, outfielder Saturday

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided key updates on starting pitcher Kodei Senga and outfielder J.D. Martinez on Saturday.

Mendoza announced Senga, who sustained a post capsule strain during spring training, is expected to throw from 120 feet Saturday afternoon. Martinez, who signed a one-year, $12 million contract with New York on March 24, continues to progress slowly in the minor leagues preparing to make his debut with the team. Both updates were provided before the Mets game against the Kansas City Royals.

Senga was transferred to the 60-day IL on Wednesday, affording the Mets an extra roster spot. The 31-year-old coming off a National League All-Star appearance in his first Major League season, would be eligible to return at the earliest on May 27. He has yet to throw an actual bullpen session, although he has progressed to tossing again from the mound.

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Senga is New York’s defacto ace – 12-7, 2.98 ERA, 202 strikeouts, 77 walks across 166.1 innings pitched in 2023. The Mets, who are also down Tylor Megill (shoulder strain), remaining on the 15-day IL, have received solid outings from Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea to start the season despite an overall thinner, somewhat patchwork pitching staff.

Once Martinez returns, the six-time All-Star is expected to slot into New York’s lineup primarily as the designated hitter. He would provide protection for a key group of Mets batters who have not been their usual selves to start the season, namely Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo.

A tumultuous Lindor start continues – .111/.222/.185/.407 slash line through 13 games entering Saturday – but 22-year old catcher Francisco Alvarez (.293/.326/.463/.789) and 24-year old third baseman Brett Baty (.327/.365/.408/.774) have looked superb. Combine Alvarez and Baty with Pete Alonso, already with four home runs, improvement from franchise shortstop Lindor, other players like Nimmo and Jeff McNeil and insertion of Martinez, the Mets will score.

After a disappointing 0-5 start to the regular season, the Mets have since rebounded and won six of their past eight games, including a 16-run outburst in Atlanta on Thursday.