Mets’ Kodai Senga discusses 'regretful feelings' over recovery setbacks

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga spoke with reporters through a translator on Monday and revealed that he hasn't yet restarted a throwing program following his latest injury setback.

"It’s obviously not ideal, a lot of regretful feelings," Senga explained, according to John Flanigan of SNY. "I just want to get back out there. I’m here at the stadium and I see all the guys fighting. It really makes me want to have the urge to get back out there and pitch for the team." 

Senga was on track to serve as New York's ace this season after the club traded Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer last summer and then failed to sign a big-name starter this past offseason. However, the 31-year-old suffered a moderate capsule strain in the back of his right shoulder during Spring Training that has sidelined him through the final week of May.

Earlier this month, Senga paused his rehab progress because of reasons related to his "mechanics." Last week, he reported "triceps tightness" that an MRI revealed to be linked with nerve inflammation.

Per Anthony DiComo of the MLB website, there's no known timeline for when Senga could return to the bump for a meaningful big-league game. 

"First I need to check how my body feels," Senga said about not rushing back to action before he's ready. "Then it’s really taking it just one step at a time because in order to get back at 100 percent you have to be at 100 percent at each benchmark."  

Senga earned an All-Star nod last year and went 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts over 29 starts and 166.1 innings of work in his first season with the Mets. Without him, New York entered Monday at 22-30 for the ongoing campaign. 

"But what’s for sure is that I’m itching to come back," Senga added during his comments. "I really do want to come back and that’s what I’m striving for, but at the same time I can’t rush myself so that’s where I’m at right now." 

The Mets could begin trading pending free agents to contenders as soon as next month if they don't produce a solid winning streak between Tuesday and Father's Day. It certainly seems as if New York won't have Senga available anytime soon as the club tries to right the ship.