Kodai Senga Eyes Return Before Season Finale Amid Injury-Plagued Year
The New York Mets' pitching rotation has been put to the test this season with a spate of injuries, the most notable being those plaguing Kodai Senga. As the regular season approaches its conclusion on September 29, there's cautious optimism within the Mets' camp that Senga might make a timely return to bolster the team’s playoff push.
Senga, 31, has endured a challenging 2023 campaign, marked by multiple setbacks. Initially, a shoulder capsule strain sidelined him until July 26. Upon his return, he was immediately met with another blow—a high-grade calf strain that has further stymied his contributions to the team. As a result, Senga has been limited to just a single major-league appearance this year.
Despite these hurdles, Senga remains hopeful. He estimates his recovery to be around 70% to 80%, aiming for a return before the season’s end. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," noted David Stearns, reflecting the team’s guarded optimism.
A Stellar Rookie Season Overshadowed by Injuries
Senga’s struggles this year stand in stark contrast to his breakout season in 2022. During his rookie campaign, he was nothing short of phenomenal, securing a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His remarkable performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and saw him finish second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. Senga’s stats were a testament to his impact: a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
The Mets have undoubtedly missed this level of production, particularly given the overall strain on their starting rotation. With other key pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott also unavailable—Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery—the team has faced significant challenges. Relying heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters, the Mets have been battling to maintain their competitive edge.
The Playoff Push
Currently, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. They hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, a margin that could be critical as they approach a pivotal three-game series against the Braves. This series is not just another set of games; it has the potential to determine the season series tiebreaker and, ultimately, which team advances to the playoffs.
As they brace for these crucial matchups, the return of Senga could provide the Mets with much-needed reinforcement. The team has exhibited moments of resilience, but the return of their ace could be the boost they need to solidify their playoff aspirations.
A Team in Need
Without their key pitchers, the Mets have navigated a tumultuous season. Yet, there is a palpable sense of cautious optimism surrounding Senga’s return. His ability to deliver under pressure, as demonstrated last season, is precisely what the Mets need to strengthen their rotation and give their bullpen some relief. The potential return of such a pivotal player could be a turning point as the Mets look to secure their playoff berth.
In a season defined by adversity, the Mets are holding onto the hope that their star pitcher’s recovery will align with their critical end-of-season push. With a challenging series against the Braves looming, the timing of Senga’s return could be the X-factor in a tightly contested wild-card race. For now, the Mets and their fans await with bated breath, eager to see if Senga will once again take the mound and steer them towards a triumphant playoff spot.