Kodai Senga Eyes Return Amid Injury-Heavy Season
Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old pitcher for the New York Mets, hopes to make a comeback before the regular season finale on September 29. Injuries have plagued Senga throughout the 2023 campaign, significantly impacting his ability to contribute to the team.
Senga’s season has been a tumultuous one. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain in early July, he made his much-anticipated return only to suffer a high-grade calf strain in his first start back. As a result, he has been limited to a mere single major-league appearance this year. These setbacks mark a stark contrast from his successful rookie season, where he boasted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game.
Reflecting on his current status, Senga estimates that his recovery is between 70% and 80%. Despite the challenges he’s faced, there’s a sense of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp about his potential return. David Stearns, the Mets' executive, expressed this sentiment, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
Mets’ Rotation Under Strain
The Mets' starting rotation has been under considerable strain, not just due to Senga’s injuries but also because of the absence of other key pitchers. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters, further complicating their playoff hopes.
Currently, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. They hold a slender two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, with whom they have an upcoming crucial three-game series. This series is particularly significant as it could determine the season series tiebreaker and potentially decide which team advances to the playoffs.
Reflecting on Senga's Impact
Last season, Senga was a standout performer, finishing second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. He recorded an impressive 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His contributions were integral to the Mets' success, making his absence this season all the more challenging for the team.
The Mets have been missing the stability and skill that Senga brought to the mound. Without key figures like him, the team has had to adapt and persevere through a series of adversities.
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, the Mets and their fans hold onto hope for Senga’s return. His presence could provide a much-needed boost to a beleaguered starting rotation and bolster the team's playoff ambitions.
The road to recovery has been arduous for Senga, but his determination and resilience remain unwavering. As he works towards regaining full health, the Mets continue to navigate a season filled with challenges, eyeing a postseason berth that appeared within reach not long ago.
All eyes will be on the upcoming series against the Braves, a pivotal moment in the Mets’ quest for playoff success. With the potential return of Senga and a critical juncture in the season at hand, the team’s resolve and depth will be thoroughly tested in the coming weeks.