Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Return Amid Mets’ Playoff Push
The New York Mets are cautiously optimistic about the return of their key starting pitcher, Kodai Senga, before the conclusion of the regular season on September 29. The 31-year-old right-hander has been plagued with injuries throughout the 2023 campaign, limiting his impact to a solitary major-league appearance.
Senga has been candid about his current health status, estimating his recovery at around 70% to 80%. He has faced a series of setbacks this year, starting with a shoulder capsule strain that sidelined him until late July. His much-anticipated return was cut short by a high-grade calf strain suffered during his first start back.
A Struggling Rotation
The Mets' starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with Senga’s absences exacerbating the issue. The team has also lost Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, with the latter undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. This dearth of experienced starters has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less seasoned pitchers.
Despite these challenges, the Mets remain in a competitive position. They are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a slim two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. This precarious standing underscores the importance of Senga’s potential return to the mound.
A Glimpse of Last Season’s Brilliance
Senga’s troubles this year are a stark contrast to his stellar performance in the previous season. In 2022, he commanded attention with a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His impressive campaign earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and accolades throughout the league. Finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award race, Senga was a cornerstone of the Mets’ rotation, boasting a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
Critical Upcoming Series
Adding to the stakes, the Mets are scheduled for a pivotal three-game series against the Braves. This series could very well determine the season series tiebreaker and ultimately, which team progresses to the postseason. The strain on the Mets’ rotation makes this upcoming challenge even more formidable.
In light of this, the Mets’ front office, led by David Stearns, is keeping a close eye on Senga’s progress. Reflecting the general sentiment within the camp, Stearns noted, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
Looking Forward
Senga’s return could not come at a more critical juncture. The Mets’ bullpen has shouldered a heavy burden, and getting a pitcher of Senga’s caliber back could provide the team with the much-needed depth and stability to navigate the final stretch of the season.
The road to recovery has been arduous for Senga, but his potential return provides a glimmer of hope. With the regular season nearing its end and the playoffs on the line, the Mets are in dire need of every competitive edge they can muster. Senga’s arm could very well be the difference-maker in their quest for postseason glory.