LONDON — After a step backward in his rehab, Kodai Senga could be returning to a bullpen mound within the next few days.
The right-hander has been progressing in his long-toss sessions, according to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, and plans to throw a bullpen Monday or Tuesday.
Hefner described Senga as trending in a positive direction.
Senga had triceps tightness in late May that canceled a bullpen session and later received a cortisone shot.
There was thought earlier last month that Senga was close to beginning a minor league rehab assignment, but Senga applied the brakes, saying he first wanted to work on his mechanics before progressing to games.
Once Senga throws a bullpen session, he likely will still need to face hitters in a controlled setting before he’s considered for a rehab assignment.
Senga was shut down early in spring training with a right shoulder strain and the Mets were initially hopeful he would be ready for a return by early June.
At this point, the Mets could be looking at the All-Star break as a best-case.
Francisco Alvarez was scheduled to return home to Venezuela for a family matter, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, and likely will need extra days before he completes his rehab assignment and is activated.
Alvarez was initially on course to rejoin the Mets at the beginning of their next homestand Tuesday.
Alvarez is returning from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Edwin Diaz felt good following a rehab outing Thursday, according to Mendoza, and is scheduled to pitch Sunday for High-A Brooklyn.
The right-hander, who has been sidelined with a right shoulder impingement, could potentially be activated from the injured list Tuesday.
Infield prospect Jett Williams underwent a right wrist TFCC debridement procedure Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Mets announced.
A typical return to game activity following such a procedure, according to the team, is 8-10 weeks.
Williams was the organization’s minor league player of the year last season.