Senga trying to improve breathing

PORT ST. LUCIE — If Kodai Senga is a breath of fresh air around the Mets, it isn’t an accident. He’s been practicing his breathing.

When the new Mets righthander finds himself with little to do, he grabs a balloon and begins blowing it up. After it is inflated, he deflates it and begins blowing again.

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“Just using my lungs and opening up my body and closing it the way I want to,” Senga said this week through Japanese interpreter Hiro Fujiwara.

The practice is distinct but not quite unique. Former longtime major league starter Bronson Arroyo reportedly did the same as a quirky means of trying to stay healthy.

Physical therapists also have recommended blowing up balloons, which works out intercostal muscles and can help lung capacity. Maybe as Senga, who signed a five-year, $75 million contract this offseason, pitches into the sixth and seventh innings this season, he won’t be short of breath.

➤ The Mets probably looked at Team Venezuela’s starting third baseman and catcher and wished they were in the other dugout.

Eduardo Escobar and Omar Narvaez returned to Clover Park for an exhibition in which the World Baseball Classic participant came away with a 6-4 win Thursday afternoon. Both Escobar and Narvaez singled.

➤ Mark Canha, typically an outfielder, got the start at first base and “looked good,” manager Buck Showalter said.

➤ Four days after Jose Quintana exited a game early complaining of side pain, the Mets still had no further update on the lefty’s health.

➤ David Peterson, who sustained a left foot contusion Saturday, came through a live bullpen session well, Showalter said. The Mets will see how the lefty feels Friday before deciding his next step.