Mets ace Kodai Senga continued his road to recovery on Saturday night, making a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton against Hartford. In 3⅔ innings, Senga allowed four runs, three of which were earned, and recorded six hits, along with striking out four batters and issuing two walks. He utilized 44 of his 68 pitches effectively, demonstrating his potential return to the Major League level soon.
Senga, who has been sidelined since straining his right hamstring while covering first base on June 12, has been a significant loss for the Mets, contributing to a rough stretch where the team went 3-14 shortly after his injury. This season, Senga boasts a remarkable record of 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA over 13 starts, highlighting his importance to the rotation. There is hope that he could rejoin the team in Kansas City ahead of the All-Star break next weekend.
In other roster moves, the Mets announced that right-hander Zach Pop has signed a one-year contract and joined their bullpen. This acquisition comes after Pop decided to opt for free agency rather than an assignment to the minors, following a challenging stint with the Seattle Mariners where he allowed eight runs in a single inning during one of his appearances. Before the game against the Yankees, the Mets secured a victory, marking their fourth consecutive win, although Pop was not utilized in that matchup.
Additionally, right-hander Austin Warren was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after a short relief appearance, while Tyler Zuber was designated for assignment to accommodate Pop on the 40-man roster. The Mets are also seeing some progress as right-handed starter Tylor Megill begins to play catch following an elbow sprain. However, lefty reliever Brooks Raley, currently on a minor league rehab assignment post-Tommy John surgery, won’t be expected back until after the All-Star break, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
This mixture of potential returns and new signings reflects the Mets’ ongoing effort to strengthen their roster amid season challenges, holding onto hope for a turnaround as they approach the pivotal All-Star period.