In a disappointing turn of events, New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga has been diagnosed with triceps inflammation, extending his road to recovery. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza informed reporters about Senga's MRI results, revealing that he will be sidelined from throwing for the next 3-5 days after receiving a cortisone shot.

Senga, who is already on the 60-day injured list, has yet to make an appearance this season due to a moderate posterior capsule strain in his right shoulder sustained during Spring Training. While the exact timeline for his rehab process remains uncertain, the latest reports indicated that he was working on his mechanics before gradually ramping up his training.

The setback came just as Senga was preparing to toss a bullpen session, which had to be canceled due to the discomfort in his triceps. However, there is some positive news amidst the setback. Mendoza mentioned that Senga's MRI scan revealed no concerns with his shoulder and elbow, focusing solely on the triceps area.

Nevertheless, Senga and the Mets now face a waiting period before they can reassess his status. With the right-hander's activation from the injured list unlikely to happen anytime soon, it appears that his debut for the 2024 season may be postponed until after the All-Star break.

Assuming Senga recovers well from the shutdown, a rehab assignment of at least a month will be necessary for him to regain strength and prepare for his return. Missing the entirety of Spring Training means starting from scratch in terms of preparation.

Considering the Mets' current record of 21-29 and their struggles with an inconsistent rotation, there is little urgency to rush Senga's return. The team is already dealing with a collective 4.59 ERA from their starters, only outperformed by five other teams in the league. Help could be on the horizon, though, as David Peterson is approaching the end of his 60-day injured list stint.

Peterson, who underwent hip surgery last November, has been performing well in his Triple-A rehab outings. With a 2.79 ERA over 9 2/3 innings, he may provide some much-needed improvement for the Mets' rotation. Mendoza suggested that Adrian Houser could be moved back to the bullpen if Peterson joins the starting staff.

In other injury news, catcher Francisco Alvarez is set to take batting practice for the first time since undergoing thumb surgery in April. The young prospect has been on an eight-week recovery timeline and has made progress in catching drills with a splint inside his glove. Alvarez's return to action will be gradual, as the team wants to ensure his full recovery before getting him back on the field.

The injuries to Senga and Alvarez continue to pose challenges for the Mets, who are navigating a demanding season. As they strive to improve their rotation and regain key players, the team remains committed to the recovery and long-term well-being of their injured pitchers and catchers.