Mets Notes: Kodai Senga's first minor league start set, Luis Torrens 'trending in right direction'

The Mets have set a date for Kodai Senga's first minor league start since his option.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Phillies that Senga will pitch for Syracuse on Friday after pitching bullpens the last week or so.

The Mets skipper said that Senga was working on mechanics during those sessions, but the real process begins Friday.

"Facing competition tomorrow and a lot of times the hitters will tell you, he’ll tell you," Mendoza said. "We’ll get the feedback from him. We’ll watch videos and things like that, and we’ll get the report. He feels good and feels like he’s in a good spot. Make some adjustments with his mechanics, and he has to go out there now and he has to see it."

Senga, 32, has struggled since returning from the IL in July. He's pitched to a 0-3 record with a 5.90 ERA in nine starts. This season, he's 7-6 with a 3.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 22 starts over 113.1 IP. 

SNY's Andy Martino reported that the plan is for Senga to make at least two starts with Syracuse.

Updates on Luis Torrens and others

During Mendoza's pregame availability, he was asked for updates on a number of injured players, including Luis Torrens, Tylor Megill, and Tyrone Taylor.

There was no update on Megill, who has been dealing with an elbow issue and is seeking a second opinion, while Torrens is doing "better" as the swelling in his forearm is down.

"He’s trending in the right direction," Mendoza said.

As for Taylor, who was placed on the IL in early September with a hamstring strain, his potential rehab assignment was pushed back so he could be with his family as they welcome a child.