**NEW YORK** — Kodai Senga is optimistic about returning to the New York Mets this season, potentially as a reliever, if the team remains in the playoff hunt when he is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on September 25.
Senga has missed the first 102 games while recovering from a shoulder injury. He made his only appearance on July 26, striking out nine Atlanta Braves over 5⅓ innings, but then strained his left calf while avoiding a popup. The 31-year-old right-hander, who was a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year after finishing last season with a 12-7 record, a 2.98 ERA, and 202 strikeouts, was placed on the 15-day injured list and then moved to the 60-day IL shortly after.
If he returns on schedule, Senga would be available for the Mets’ final five games against the Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Currently, New York is just half a game behind Atlanta for the last NL wild card spot.
“I’m aiming to be back as close to that date as possible,” Senga said through an interpreter before the Mets’ 4-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. “That’s my goal.”
Senga recently played catch from a mound and feels nearly ready to pitch again. He noted that while he won’t be prepared for a typical starter’s workload, he’s open to working from the bullpen. All 30 of his MLB appearances have been as a starter.
“It’s up to them whether I pitch as a starter or in relief. I just want to contribute however I can,” Senga stated.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his support for Senga pitching in any role, provided he feels healthy.
“We’re open to anything as long as he’s doing well,” Mendoza said.
In other injury news, rookie pitcher Christian Scott may soon be ready for a bullpen session after being sidelined since July 21 with a right UCL sprain.
