PHILADELPHIA Mets officials have begun to receive a positive vibe about Kodai Sengas rehab. The right-hander had backed off his throwing progre sion from a shoulder strain in the last week to focus on mechanics, but president of baseball operations David Stearns said Thursday that Senga is feeling better about the situation following a recent bullpen se sion and trending toward a minor league rehab a signment. I think weve had a good bullpen where he felt he was making some strides, Stearns said before the , in 11 innings at Citizens Bank Park. I dont know exactly when well get him out on a rehab a signment thats the next big step here but I think we all feel better about it, maybe here than we did five or six days ago. Kodai Senga is on the road back the mound. Getty Images Senga this week said he wanted to focus on mechanics before pitching in minor league games because he believes a change in his delivery at least partially led to the shoulder strain that shut him down early in spring training.I think Step 1 is lets get him to a point where he feels comfortable mechanically, and I think we took a real positive step forward in that direction, Stearns said. Senga will need about a month of buildup in the minor leagues, once he begins his rehab a signment, before he can join the Mets rotation. Explore More Team owner Steve Cohen told SNY he , a day after responding to a tweet from a fan who wondered about blowing up the roster. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Andre Roberson Jersey 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! Cohen responded to the fan: All in the future, not much we can do before the trade deadline. The tweet was soon deleted. But Cohen told the teams TV rights holder he hasnt given up on the season. I believe in this team, Cohen told the outlet. I believe in the back of the baseball card. Its way too early to speculate on anything. Its May 16. I expect to make the playoffs. I know the fan base is frustrated, but its still early. Were still very capable of making the playoffs. I fully expect to make the playoffs. Steve Cohen may have wanted to keep his post in the drafts. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Brandon Nimmo was scratched from the starting lineup with a stomach bug. Tyrone Taylor replaced Nimmo in the leadoff spot and DJ Stewart started in left field. Joey Lucchesi was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse following his Wednesday start, and the Mets recalled lefty reliever Josh Walker. Tylor Megills return to the starting rotation is scheduled for Monday in Cleveland. The right-hander was placed on the injured list with a right shoulder strain following his first start of the season March 31. Drew Smith played catch and was feeling better after reporting discomfort behind his right shoulder earlier in the week, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The right-hander will throw a bullpen Monday, but likely need at least one minor league rehab appearance before hes considered for activation. Landry Shamet Jersey