Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. PORT ST. LUCIE Kodai Senga took a step closer to being a mainstay near the top of the Mets rotation on Sunday, as he threw 50 pitches on a back field at Clover Park. He faced minor league hitters and a slight dip in velocity, which a sistant pitching coach Desi Druschel said was to be expected in that type of environment. Druschel, who spent the past five years coaching in the Yankees system including the past three on the major league staff is still getting to learn about the right-hander. But hes already got one aspect of Sengas game down, and its one that has dominated Sengas time with the Mets. Kodai Senga throws a pitch during a live batting practice for the Mets on Feb. 20. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Hes a perfectionist with everything, Druschel said. Thats probably one of his greatest a sets and its also one of his greatest weakne ses: He wants everything to be perfect. It shows in his effectivene s on the mound, and its also occasionally evident in the time hes mi sed. After being sidelined with a posterior capsule strain in his shoulder last spring, Sengas absence was extended because he was not comfortable with his mechanics as he was first coming back. Explore More Nick Allen Jersey Druschel watched Sengas outing Sunday and was pleased. He pitched into the fourth inning, another positive sign, and also threw a pair of sinkers another weapon in his arsenal to make Senga tougher against right-handers and Druschel said they may have been his best two pitches of the afternoon. I think his body feels good, Druschel said. Now, its Can we get the mechanics to sync up where he feels good with them? Kodai Senga prepares to throw a pitch during his Grapefruit League outing March 3. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Kodai Senga watches his pitch during a live batting practice for the Mets on Feb. 20. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Both Senga and Druschel seemed confident that would be the case. But theres no doubt Senga is more particular about that part of his game than most pitchers. And Druschel, like the rest of the Mets, are figuring out how to get the most out of the 32-year-old, who was limited to 5 / innings during the regular season last year, as he was also done in by a calf injury suffered during his first start of the year. He got back for the playoffs, but was mostly ineffective in three outings. Druschel insisted he didnt mind Sengas finicky ways. I enjoy the perfectionism, even though it can hurt him at times, Druschel said. I think thats what the best pitchers are they want to be perfect. They have that attribute. It can help and hurt. Its what led to Senga being so effective as a rookie, when he exceeded expectations and pitched to a 2.98 ERA in 166 / innings. The Mets, though, will need more production from him than they got in 2024. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! If this spring is any indication, Senga is on his way to another solid season, and Druschel wouldnt change a thing. Thats enjoyable, Druschel said of Senga being a perfectionist. Hes obviously dedicated to the craft and worked hard, not only to pitch at this level, but back home [in Japan], too. Its impre sive what hes done. Michel Otanez Jersey