Sports

Carlos Mendoza Provides Updates on Injured Mets

By Michael Sakuraba Athlon Sports

Injuries have played a large role in what has been a disappointing season for the New York Mets. On Friday, Manager Carlos Mendoza had some promising updates for two of the team's injured stars.

Superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor has been on the injured list since straining his left calf while running the bases in a game on April 22. In recent days, Lindor has been spotted ramping up his baseball activities, and on Thursday, the New York Post's Jon Heyman even hinted that the Mets have already set a return date of June 20.

"We simulated two innings on defense where he was taking ground balls. He didn't run the bases when he made contact. It's kind of like a controlled environment that is simulating game action, but we're controlling it. He's going to do that again next week here, instead of two innings, more like three or five. Then we'll revisit at the end of next week," Mendoza said of Lindor.

It appears that Lindor is inching closer to an MLB return, and president of baseball operations David Stearns reiterated that on Friday. Stearns, who also spoke to the media, stated that the Mets are "expecting (Lindor) to play games for us this month." Stearns wouldn't commit to a specific date, but his comments, combined with Mendoza's, point to a reasonable chance for Lindor's return in the last week of June.

Mets Encouraged by Senga's Latest Rehab Start

Mendoza also commented on the progress that injured starting pitcher Kodai Senga has been making.

In Senga's most recent rehab start with Double-A Binghamton, he allowed just one hit and one earned run, while striking out five on 75 pitches. Senga has been on the shelf since April 28, when he started experiencing lumbar spine inflammation in his lower back. During his IL stint, Senga also experienced right ulnar nerve irritation in his throwing arm, which caused him to miss his last scheduled start on Tuesday.

"I watched the outing, encouraging," Mendoza told reporters. "When you look at the line there of six innings, 75 pitches, that goes to show you that he threw strikes and competed in the strike zone. I haven't seen him today; he's expected here. The goal is for him to get a bullpen, and I'm pretty sure he's going to have another one in the minor leagues."

Senga has struggled with injuries in the past few seasons, after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2023. Since 2023, he's only managed to pitch 138.1 innings over three years, missing most of 2024 and 2026 with various ailments. Senga appeared in just five games this season, posting a 0-4 record with a 9.00 ERA and 1.950 WHIP in 20.0 innings of work.

Given Senga's workload on his rehab assignment, it appears the Mets still have plans for him to rejoin the rotation when he returns. As much as Senga has struggled, the Mets are extremely short-handed right now, with just four healthy starting pitchers. That group includes Sean Manaea, who started the year in the bullpen and Christian Scott, who started the year in the minors.

If the Mets have any chance of salvaging the season and competing for an NL Wild Card spot, they will need Senga to return to form and, most importantly, stay healthy.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 5:58 PM.

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