The Mets will wait to see how Kodai Senga feels, but the rehabbing ace may change up his schedule and pitch on normal, four days’ rest for his next minor league start.
Over the past year and a half, the Mets have given Senga an extra day of rest between starts as often as possible, which is more akin to how he was used in Japan.
His start Tuesday with Triple-A Syracuse came on five days’ rest.
But with the majors and minors taking a break beginning Monday for the All-Star festivities, the Mets are contemplating pitching Senga on the more normal, four days’ rest on Sunday.
“That’s still TBD,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets beat the Nationals, 6-2, at Citi Field on Wednesday. “Hopefully by [Thursday], end of the day, [we’ll know].”
Senga built up to 52 pitches but in just 2 ²/₃ innings Tuesday in his first start with Syracuse and second rehab outing overall.
He is likely multiple starts away from becoming an option for his 2024 debut.
The minor league season pauses after Sunday’s games and does not continue until the following Friday.
If Senga, who is attempting to come back from a right shoulder capsule strain and triceps tightness, is unable to pitch on four days’ rest, he could instead throw a simulated game Monday.
New Mets reliever Phil Maton has long worn No. 88, which prompted third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh to switch to No. 86.
Maton is in his eighth season but tries to remember what it was like to be a rookie with the Padres.
“When you’re a nobody prospect, that’s just what they give you when you get called up,” Maton said of the number.
Jake Diekman, who entered with one out and a runner in the seventh inning and struck out the only two batters he faced, appeared in his 700th career game.
“It’s not easy to do,” Mendoza said of the 37-year-old Diekman, who is in his 13th season. “Proud of him for how long he’s been doing this. … Huge influence there in that locker room.”
Tyrone Taylor, who knocked an RBI triple in the eighth inning, became the first Met to notch triples in consecutive games since Brandon Nimmo on May 25-26 of last season.
Mark Vientos, who smacked an RBI double in the sixth inning to tie the game, has eight RBIs in his past seven home games.
Jahel Diaz, a lefty who was turning 8 years old and is Edwin’s son, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his father.