Mets' Senga shut down with shoulder strain

The New York Mets have shut down All-Star right-hander Kodai Senga due to a moderate right posterior capsule strain in his shoulder, president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Thursday, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Stearns added that the team doesn't have an exact timeline for Senga's recovery, though they don't expect him to be ready for Opening Day.

The 39-year-old executive also said the injury news doesn't mean the club will add a player to replace Senga before the regular season begins, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic.

The Mets prefer that pitching prospects such as Mike Vasil, Christian Scott, and Dominic Hamel stay in the minors, per Newsday's Tim Healey.

New York is projected to start the season with a rotation of José Quintana, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Adrian Houser, and one of Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, José Butto, or Max Kranick.

Senga was examined by trainers Wednesday after experiencing arm fatigue following a throwing session at spring training.

The 31-year-old posted a 2.98 ERA with 1.22 WHIP and 202 strikeouts over 166 1/3 innings (29 starts) en route to finishing as the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up.