Kodai Senga set for rehab start with eyes on joining Mets for potential playoff run

Kodai Senga wants to be pitching in a game this weekend. Though it would just be a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse, he hopes it leads to getting back onto the Mets staff in some role in time for the postseason. “That’s what I’m aiming towards,” Senga said Wednesday through an interpreter at Citi Field.“I need to be 100 percent.” That’s been the biggest challenge for Senga and the Mets this season, as Senga has pitched just once for them this year.

He was first sidelined by a strained capsule in his shoulder and then the calf injury. “I have to make sure I check all the boxes,’’ Senga said before the Mets earned a sweep over the Nationals thanks to a 10-0 blowout win. Senga said he was “probably 70 or 80” percent healthy and that he would be able to tell if he were ready to go if he’s able to pitch an inning with Syracuse this weekend. “I’ve been working my tail off and devoting all my time to this and I know if it doesn’t go well, I’m gonna be in the dugout, rooting for my teammates,’’ Senga said.“So I need to make this work.” Carlos Mendoza, same as president of baseball operations David Stearns was earlier in the week, remains cautiously optimistic about a possible Senga return, but the Mets aren’t necessarily holding their breath. “One thing I’ve learned is you never know with Senga,’’ the manager said.

“There are days he feels really good and days he needs a day or two.We’ve got to wait on the player.

… I don’t want to put pressure on him.We just need a healthy player, whenever that is.” Even without Senga, the rotation is thriving. Since the beginning of September, Mets starters are 6-1 with a 1.90 ERA. Senga reiterated his willingness to pitch in any role, though Stearns said it would likely be as an opener, since Senga is unaccustomed to coming out of the pen. “We’re doing great, so I need to do whatever it takes to get back out there at 100 percent,” Senga said...