Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Return Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old Mets' pitcher, is pushing for a return before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga's 2023 season has been riddled with setbacks, limiting him to a solitary major-league appearance due to a series of injuries.
Initially, Senga was sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain, keeping him off the mound until July 26. Upon his return, his efforts were thwarted by a high-grade calf strain, adding further woes to an already challenging season. Despite these hurdles, Senga remains optimistic, estimating his recovery to be between 70% and 80%.
Last season was a different story for the right-hander, who showcased his talent with a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, an impressive 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. His stellar form also saw him finish second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. In stark contrast, this season's injuries have left a gaping hole in the Mets' starting rotation, a fact made more pressing with Senga’s absence.
The Mets' pitching rotation is under immense pressure, exacerbated by the unavailability of other key starters like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott’s season-ending elbow surgery further limits the team's options, forcing them to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters. This has put the Mets in a precarious position as they battle for a playoff spot.
Currently, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is crucial—it could determine the season series tiebreaker and decide which team advances to the playoffs. The strain on the pitching staff makes Senga's potential return even more critical.
Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s comeback. Team executives and fans alike hold their breath, hoping for a timely return that could bolster the team’s postseason push.
David Stearns, echoing the guarded hope surrounding Senga's recovery, stated, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." Senga's return could not only provide a much-needed boost to the Mets' beleaguered rotation but also inspire confidence across the team as they head into the season’s critical final stretch.
Senga’s journey back to the mound embodies the resilience and determination inherent in professional athletes. For the Mets, his return could be the linchpin that holds their playoff aspirations together. The weeks leading up to September 29 will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans and analysts, all eager to see if Senga can make a triumphant return and steer the Mets toward a successful conclusion to a tumultuous season.