PORT ST. LUCIE — The wide smile on Kodai Senga’s face Saturday as he walked off the mound at Clover Field toward the Mets dugout told the story better than any metrics might have.
It was one inning of live batting practice, but a good start for the right-hander.
“The fact that he is facing hitters this early in camp is a good sign,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He was just effortless with the way the ball was coming out, using all his pitches already. The delivery, everything looked good.”
Radar readings weren’t posted during the session, but Jeff McNeil said Senga’s fastball was in the mid-90s.
Senga was shut down early in camp last year with a shoulder strain and didn’t pitch for the Mets until late July. Upon his return, he strained his left calf, sidelining him until the postseason.
The Mets are looking forward to Senga’s progression this spring.
“[Senga] had a smile on his face,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.”
Starling Marte is likely to take a slow road in spring training, according to Mendoza, as he builds up strength in the right knee in which he sustained a bone bruise last season, costing him two months on the injured list.
Marte is participating in all baseball activities, Mendoza said, but likely won’t play early in the Grapefruit League season.
The Mets have a full outfield, but Mendoza expects Marte to platoon at DH with Jesse Winker.
On the occasional days that Juan Soto is slotted as the DH, there will be opportunities for Marte to play right field.
Mendoza said Marte has also volunteered to play center if needed. Marte started one game for the Mets in center field in 2023 — the last time he played the position.
Brett Baty is slotted for third base and second base in the exhibition season, but Mendoza said there’s been discussion about Baty taking grounders at shortstop on the back field.
Soto is expected to work out with the team for the first time this spring on Sunday, before taking questions from reporters.
The first full-squad workout is Monday.
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