Kodai Senga, the Mets’ 33‑year‑old rookie All‑Star, will return to Class A St. Lucie for a rehab start Friday after a month on the injured list. The right‑hander went 0‑4 with a 9.00 ERA in five starts before lumbar spine inflammation halted his season on April 26.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said Senga could pitch 50‑60 pitches, capped at four innings, and noted he recently threw about 40 pitches in live batting practice. “He feels really good and he’s ready to go in competition, so he’s pitching tomorrow,” Mendoza told reporters before the Mets’ finale against Washington.

Mendoza also highlighted other rehab hopefuls. First baseman Jared Young, who tore his left meniscus, has logged 2 for 14 in four games between St. Lucie and Triple‑A Syracuse and is fine physically but still refining his timing at the plate. Left‑hander A.J. Minter, after lat surgery, appeared in back‑to‑back rehab outings this week and will return to Syracuse Saturday.

With Senga’s return, the Mets edge closer to a competitive rotation as the season nears its second half. Young’s recovery and Minter’s gradual return offer depth, while the team evaluates bullpen options. The rehab schedule will test whether the pitchers can regain form before the stretch run.