Kodai Senga heads to Triple-A Syracuse for next Mets rehab star

WASHINGTON Kodai Senga aced the first test in a minor league rehab appearance and will now move ahead two levels for his next. The Mets right-hander will pitch next week for Triple-A Syracuse most likely on Tuesday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza in a 50-pitch appearance. Senga in a rehab appearance for High-A Brooklyn in which he touched 97 mph on the radar gun and struck out six over 2 / scorele s innings without allowing a hit. Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws in the third inning during a rehab start with the Luke Barker Jersey Brooklyn Cyclones. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST All the reports were positive, Mendoza said before the Mets . He did well. The velocity was there and he used all of his pitches. He is trending in the right direction. Mendoza said the plan is to build up Senga into the 75-80 pitch range before activating him. Senga hasnt pitched for the Mets this season as he works back from a shoulder strain that occurred early in spring training. Explore More Harrison Bader was available off the bench, according to Mendoza, after mi sing a second straight start following his collision with the outfield fence on Tuesday. Tyrone Taylor started in center field with Ben Gamel in right and combined to go 0-for-6. J.D. Martinez received a planned day off following a night game, putting DJ Stewarts left-handed bat in the lineup against Jake Irvin. J.D. Martinez got the day off. Getty Images It was only the second appearance for Stewart since June 23. Stewart, who drew a second-inning walk, was one of two Mets batters to reach base. Jeff McNeil singled in the third for the Mets only hit. Edwin Diaz threw in simulated games Sunday and Wednesday, according to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, to keep active for applying a sticky substance to his right hand. Diazs suspension is scheduled to conclude before Saturdays game. The Mets have played a man short for the past nine games. Longtime team photographer Marc Levine pa sed away, the Mets announced. We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of Marc Levines pa sing, Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. He was the longest tenured photographer in team history. Marc documented every Mets moment for the last three and a half decades. He had a kind heart and a wonderful photographic eye. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Luke Voit Jersey