Kodai Senga just wants to show he belongs.
The Japanese ace has arrived at his first U.S. spring training, trying to adjust to a larger baseball and steeper mound than in his homeland, but also the expectations he will face with the Mets. in the Mets’ rotation, but Senga noted Thursday that Jose Quintana and Carlos Carrasco are also accomplished pitchers.
“As of right now, I don’t feel that the ball has any effect on the so-so bullpen [session]. It’s mostly just the steepness of the mound. Perhaps it’s the climate that is helping with the tackiness of the ball, but as of right now the ball hasn’t bothered me at all.” “The one thing that was really important to me deciding to sign with the Mets was because of how they approached that situation and how much they had confidence in me,” Senga said. “I was really excited to sign here and play for the Mets.”
Since arriving, Senga has told manager Buck Showalter that he wants to hit. On the front, he’s late: MLB instituted the universal DH before last season. Asked Thursday if he wanted to hit, Senga didn’t need the question translated — he held his thumb and index finger about an inch apart to signal “a little bit” and smiled.
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