Kodai Senga’s injury rehab taking next step with Mets optimistic for 2024 return

PHILADELPHIA — Kodai Senga’s rehab will move to the phase of facing hitters in live batting practice when the Mets return to Citi Field after this weekend, leaving team brass still cautiously optimistic the right-hander will return in some capacity this season.

But manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday there are still too many variables in play to start planning a Senga return, either in the final week of the regular season or potentially the playoffs.

“It’s hard for me to sit here and say, ‘Man if he’s healthy again or where do I see him?’ ” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 11-3 win over the Phillies . “I have to wait and see before we have this type of conversation.”

Senga has pitched only 5 ¹/₃ innings for the Mets this season. He missed the first four months of the season following a shoulder strain early in spring training and during his season debut July 26 sustained a high-grade left calf strain.

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If Senga were to return, it would be in a limited role, as he won’t be built up through the normal progression of minor league rehab starts. That could mean using Senga as an opener of sorts or utilizing him from the bullpen.

“There is a lot here,” Mendoza said. “We just have to wait and see where he is physically before we make a decision.”

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Dedniel Nunez received a PRP injection for a flexor tendon injury in his forearm, according to Mendoza, and is finished for the season.

The rookie reliever returned to the injured list Aug. 29 after only one appearance following a previous stint sidelined with forearm discomfort.

Nunez pitched to a 2.31 ERA in 25 appearances for the Mets.

“He was huge for us,” Mendoza said. “And we had hopes that we were going to get him back.”

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Paul Blackburn is “week-to-week,” according to Mendoza, following his return to New York with lower-back discomfort.

He was scratched from his start last Monday in Toronto after the back issue arose.

Tylor Megill is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Nationals, with Sean Manaea set for Monday.

Such an alignment will allow Manaea to pitch against the Phillies next Saturday and then face the Braves in the series finale in Atlanta the following week.

Manaea would then be on regular rest for a potential Game 1 start in the NL wild-card series.

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