Mets get good news on Kodai Sengas hamstring injury in sigh of relief

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.The Mets lost a game Friday but may have received a win on the health front. Kodai Senga was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain (the least severe level among such injuries), manager Carlos Mendoza said following the Mets’ 7-5 loss to the Rays at Citi Field. Senga strained the hamstring Thursday covering first base, and a day later was placed on the injured list.

An MRI exam revealed the degree of the strain. “Talking to the trainers, they feel like we got some good news here,” Mendoza said. Mendoza said Senga will rest for about two weeks and then be evaluated for a potential ramp up.Last season, the Mets ace had several stops and goes in his return from a shoulder strain.

He didn’t pitch until July after opening the season on the injured list and then was sidelined, until the postseason, after only one start because of a calf strain.  Sign up to get the best stories straight to your inbox.Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Want even more news? For now at least, Paul Blackburn — the team’s de facto sixth starter — will shift from the bullpen to start Wednesday in Atlanta.

On Friday, Blackburn had a rough relief appearance, allowing four hits and four earned runs in one-third of an inning. Blackburn said it “sucks” to have lost Senga, given the manner in which the right-hander was pitching — he leads MLB with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts — but Blackburn appreciates the opportunity to rejoin the rotation. “That is kind of where my comfort zone lies,” Blackburn told The Post.“It is what I have done my whole career.

I have my whole routine set for that.” Blackburn returned from the injured list to start against the Dodgers on June 2, when he pitched five scoreless innings ...