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A disappointing first half of the season for the Mets ended on a very encouraging note: staff ace Kodai Senga turned in a pair of impressive rehab starts this week with their Syracuse farm club.   

Sunday, in what might be his final tune before returning to the Mets, the righthander threw 66 pitches — 40 of them, strikes — while giving up a run on two hits and two walks, and striking out three.

I was on hand for his Tuesday night start, where he went 2-2/3 shutout innings, giving up just a lead off double to Yankee prospect Oswald Peraza in the top of the 1st.

While the competition isn't the same as being back in the majors, the Mets had to be pleased that Senga appeared dominant, healthy and ready to help as the club pushes for a post-season spot.  The Mets hit the break holding that third National League wild card.

(Below:) Luis Torrens has been one of the Mets most pleasant surprises of 2024.  Picked up for cash while rising star Francisco Alvarez was recovering from thumb surgery, his hot bat jumped him past veteran catchers Omar Narvaez and Tomas Nido and landed him a permanent spot as a backup as well as occasional DH.  Here he is during the London Series against the Phillies.

Juan Soto looks great in pinstripes... this was from the July 4th game against the Reds.  The Yankees pending free agent will start in the American League outfield in tomorrow night's All Star Game.

(Below:)  Christian Encarnacion-Strand flashed talent that hinted "future all star," when I saw him last year with the Reds top farm club, Louisville.  Those plans are now on hold until at least next year after he underwent season ending hand surgery for a damaged ligament.
Finally,  let's zoom in on one of the standouts in Saturday's Futures Game: Red Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel, who doubled twice for the American League squad.  A New York area product, Teel graduated Mahwah High School in Northern New Jersey before attending the University of Virginia and being taken by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2023 draft. 



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