Kodai Senga Eyes Return Amidst Mets’ Playoff Pursuit
Kodai Senga hopes to make a notable return before the regular season concludes on September 29, a much-anticipated comeback that the New York Mets are eagerly counting on as the postseason approaches.
At 31 years old, Senga’s resilience has been tested through a string of injuries this season. These injuries have significantly limited his participation, restricting him to only one major-league appearance. His season began on an unfortunate note with a shoulder capsule strain that kept him sidelined until July 26. Shortly after making his first start back, Senga faced another setback—a high-grade calf strain.
Despite these setbacks, Senga estimates his recovery to be between 70% and 80%. There is a sense of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding his return. “If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him,” said David Stearns.
Last Season's Successes
Last season, Senga was a shining star for the Mets, boasting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting while securing seventh place in the Cy Young Award voting. Senga's statistics were a testament to his prowess on the mound, with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
Injury Woes for Mets' Rotation
Senga's absence has been felt deeply within the Mets' starting rotation, which has faced considerable strain this season. The roster has been further depleted with injuries to other key pitchers, such as Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott now requires season-ending elbow surgery, further compounding the team's challenges.
These injuries have forced the Mets to lean heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters. While the team has managed to stay competitive, they are presently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. The Mets hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, an edge that feels anything but secure given the upcoming three-game series against Atlanta.
Playoff Stakes High
The series against the Braves carries significant weight, as it could determine the season series tiebreaker and ultimately which team advances to the playoffs. Without their key pitchers, the Mets' bullpen has been pushed to its limits, emphasizing the critical need for Senga’s return.
There's a palpable sense of hope within the Mets' organization that Senga can bolster their rotation during this crucial juncture. His return could provide a much-needed boost as the team eyes a deep postseason run.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Senga’s progress. His comeback not only symbolizes his personal resilience but could also play a pivotal role in the Mets' playoff aspirations, providing them with a more robust starting rotation at a time when every game carries immense significance.