Kodai Senga Starts Minor League Rehab Assignment Friday for Mets

The New York Mets are juggling a slate of injury recoveries as they plot comebacks for key pitchers and a first baseman. Kodai Senga is about to kick off a minor-league rehab assignment, while teammates Jared Young and A.J. Minter are working through their own return timelines.

This article looks at Senga’s first rehab start in the minors, what it might mean for the Mets’ rotation, and the latest on the two position players who are also inching toward a big league return.

Kodai Senga’s minor-league rehab start marks a critical step toward a Mets return

The Mets right-hander has been out since April 26 with lumbar spine inflammation. He’s sitting at 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA through five starts this season.

Senga hasn’t pitched in a regular-season game since landing on the injured list. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Senga’s first rehab outing should happen Friday for Class A St. Lucie.

The plan? He’ll throw 50 to 60 pitches with a four-inning limit. They’re clearly being careful, testing his durability without pushing it.

Earlier this week, Senga tossed about 40 pitches in live batting practice. He reported feeling “really good” about being ready to compete again.

The 33-year-old All-Star rookie from 2023 holds a career 20-17 record and a 3.39 ERA in 57 major-league starts, all with the Mets. There’s plenty of hope he can help settle a rotation that’s had its share of issues while he’s been out.

• Projected rehab workload: 50-60 pitches over four innings at St. Lucie
• Recent prep: ~40 pitches in live batting practice, positive feedback from the mound
• Current status: Senga hasn’t pitched in a regular-season game since the IL stint began
• Past performance: All-Star in 2023, 20-17 with a 3.39 ERA in 57 starts for the Mets

What this rehab start could mean for the Mets’ rotation

If Senga’s minor-league start goes well, the Mets finally get a much-needed option in a season that’s demanded depth from the pitching staff. Senga’s return would boost the starting five and give Mendoza more flexibility with rest days and bullpen use, especially during a busy schedule.

If he looks sharp, expect the Mets to talk about a careful return timeline. They’ll have to balance protecting Senga with the urgency of getting a top right-hander back in the mix.

Jared Young: rehab progress and timing at the plate

First baseman Jared Young is also working his way back, recovering from a left meniscus tear that sidelined him in mid-April. He’s played four rehab games across St. Lucie and Triple-A Syracuse, going 2-for-14.

Young says he feels fine physically. The Mets want him to regain his timing at the plate and turn that rehab work into productive at-bats at the major-league level.

• Injury: Left meniscus tear
• IL placement: April 13
• Rehab stint: Four rehab games across St. Lucie and Syracuse
• Performance: 2-for-14 during rehab

A.J. Minter’s path back from left lat surgery

Left-hander A.J. Minter had left lat surgery and has finally resumed his rehab. He just pitched in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

The last time he threw in the majors was way back in April 2025. Syracuse is watching closely as he’s set for another rehab appearance on Saturday.

Mendoza said the club will figure out what’s next after Saturday’s outing. They’re taking a careful, data-driven approach to bringing back a bullpen arm they trust.

• Injury history: Left lat muscle surgery
• Current status: Rehab activities resumed; back-to-back games recently
• Upcoming: Expected additional rehab appearance for Syracuse on Saturday
• Consideration: Next steps to be determined based on Saturday’s outing

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets’ Kodai Senga to begin minor league rehab assignment Friday