Mets' Kodai Senga Could Make Injury Return vs. Brewers amid MLB Playoff Push

The New York Mets could be getting some reinforcements as the team attempts to secure a postseason spot.

Starting pitcher Kodai Senga might return to the team for the final weekend of the regular season if his abbreviated Triple-A start on Saturday goes smoothly, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (via ESPN's Jorge Castillo).

Mendoza explained that Senga would be limited to 35-40 pitches as a starter if he's able to make it back to the majors and may also be utilized as a reliever. He's been limited to just one appearance in 2024 due to a shoulder injury.

He was eventually able to make his debut on July 26, but he suffered a calf strain in the sixth inning of his first start and was subsequently placed on the injured list.

A regular-season return from the injury would be a good sign for both Senga and the Mets, as there were initial fears that he'd miss the remainder of New York's 162-game schedule when the strain occurred.

Senga will throw no more than two innings and 35 pitches in his Triple-A start before a decision is made regarding his potential return.

"I got to talk to him," Mendoza said, per Castillo. "We just got to wait and see how he comes out of [Saturday]. And this is a guy that's got a pretty special routine and he's very meticulous about everything that he does. So he's going to have a lot of say in this decision."

The right-hander was impressive throughout his first MLB season in 2023, earning an All-Star nod. Senga finished with a record of 12-7 to go along with a 2.98 ERA, racking up 202 strikeouts compared to 77 walks in 166.1 innings of work.

The Mets have bounced back from a slow start to the year, owning a record of 61-35 since June 1. They currently sit at 85-68 on the season as a whole, maintaining a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild card spot.