Morning Briefing: Kodai Senga Provides Rehab Update

Good morning, Mets fans!

Kodai Senga spoke to reporters on Monday about his rehab process, saying he wants to make sure his mechanics are right before taking the next step. Senga said he believes his injury at least partially was caused by an issue with his mechanics. Senga offered some optimism regarding his progress, but he didn’t give an exact timeline. He’s eligible to come off the injured list on May 28.

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Sean Manaea held the Phillies to just one run and four hits over six innings, but the Phillies handed Edwin Díaz his second blown save of the year and got a run in the 10th inning to take the series opener at Citi Field, 5-4. Díaz gave up a lead-off homer to Bryson Stott but was one out away from finishing the game off when a controversial check-swing call gave Whit Merrifield a walk before Díaz hit Alec Bohm with an 0-2 fastball to tie the game. This is the first time Díaz has given up multiple runs in an outing since July of 2021.

The Mets will look to earn a split of the New York portion of their series against the Phillies, with José Buttó (1-2, 3.00 ERA) taking the hill against Aaron Nola (4-2, 3.67 ERA). Buttó earned his first win of the season in his last outing against the Cardinals. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Adrian Houser will start for the Mets on Wednesday night. Houser was moved to the bullpen following the team’s promotion of Christian Scott.

Drew Smith has completed his rehab from a right shoulder injury and has rejoined the team. He is expected to be activated today.

The Mets recalled right-hander Shintaro Fujinami from Triple-A Syracuse but placed his on the injured list with a right shoulder strain. Fujinami has struggled mightily this year, posting a 14.09 ERA with 17 walks in 7 2/3 innings.

Edwin Díaz said he is now considering playing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Díaz said he and his brother Alexis initially decided against playing in the tournament after fans treated them poorly following Díaz’s leg injury in the 2023 tournament. However, many of their teammates from Team Puerto Rico are trying to convince them to play in the event, including Francisco Lindor.

MLB announced Monday that they’ve agreed to a deal with Roku to broadcast their Sunday Leadoff games beginning May 19. The Mets’ game against the Marlins on August 18 is included in the lineup, which will begin at 12:05 PM. Games will also be free to MLB.TV subscribers.

MLB Pipeline released their updated prospect rankings, and Christian Scott has risen from the 100th-ranked prospect in the sport to number 56. Jonah Tong entered the Mets’ top-30 prospects for the first time, checking in at the 20 spot.

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The Giants have placed outfielder Jung Hoo Lee on the 10-day IL with left shoulder dislocation and called up catcher Jackson Reetz. The team is still awaiting word on the result of Lee’s MRI.

The Reds have placed outfielder TJ Friedl on the IL with a left thumb fracture and recalled outfielder Jacob Hurtubise. Friedl had just returned from a wrist injury six days earlier.

The Cubs have placed righty Adbert Alzolay on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain and recalled Jose Cuas from Triple-A Iowa. Alzolay began the season as Chicago’s closer, but he’s served up six homers in 17 1/3 innings and blown four save opportunities so far.

The Angels, who sit at 15-26, have resorted to giving a lot of players who have been cast off other rosters regular playing time, and Sam Blum of The Athletic spoke to some of the players about the opportunity. Infielder Cole Tucker was offered a coaching position by the Mariners, while relievers Amir Garrett, Hunter Strickland, and Carson Fulmer thought their careers were over before the Angels called them.

The Cubs have acquired right-hander Tyson Miller from the Mariners in exchange for infielder Jake Slaughter. Miller was recently designated for assignment by Seattle, though he owns a 12-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 3.09 ERA in 11 2/3 innings.

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Tyler Antonelle recaps the Mets’ loss in their series opener against the Phillies.

Andrew Steele-Davis breaks down the highs and lows from the Braves series in the latest 3 Up, 3 Down.

On This Date in Mets History

1972: In his Mets debut, Willie Mays‘ fifth-inning homer is the difference in the game as the Mets down Mays’ former team, the Giants, 5-4. Mays was acquired from San Francisco just three days earlier.

2009: The Mets steal a franchise record seven bases, and rally for three runs in the top of the ninth inning against Giants closer Brian Wilson for a 7-4 victory. David Wright reaches base five times, swipes four bags, and drives in the go-ahead run with a single, while Alex Cora, Gary Sheffield, and Carlos Beltrán each steal a base. Ramón Castro adds a two-run single in the decisive ninth inning.

2022: After Chasen Shreve surrenders a 4-1 lead, Patrick Mazeika stuns the Mariners by crushing the first pitch he sees from Andres Muñoz into the Coca-Cola corner to give the Mets a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning. Edwin Díaz strikes out the side in his first appearance against his former team to secure the victory.

Birthdays: Takashi Kashiwada (53), Brian Lawrence (48)

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