Mets grant Kodai Senga's request to face hitters next week as postseason roster decision looms

The New York Mets granted Kodai Senga's request to face hitters next week, keeping the right-hander in the mix for a postseason roster as the team weighs its wild-card possibilities. Senga volunteered to Mets officials on Friday that he would like an opportunity to face hitters next week, providing team brass with one final data point before rosters are finalized.

That plan comes after Thursday's Triple-A Syracuse outing that raised questions about his readiness, but the Mets have not ruled out the possibility of a Senga return this season. The decision to proceed with a hitter-facing session appears aimed at gathering information on how his body responds and whether he can comfortably back up a role in relief or rotation should the team need help.

Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner said there is a level of trust in Senga’s self-awareness. He added: 'There is a certain level of trust with him that he knows himself better than we know him. In the best way, he has a keen awareness of where his body is at and if he says he’s good, then there’s some level of trust from the organization to believe that.'

The Mets have not attached a firm date to a potential major-league return, but the latest step indicates continued evaluation as rosters for a possible wild-card series are shaped. If Senga can demonstrate he is physically ready to face hitters and contribute, he could be considered for a postseason roster role. The process is being framed as data-driven, with health and readiness guiding decisions as the team pursues a playoff berth.