Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Return Amid Injury-Plagued Year
The New York Mets' right-handed pitcher, Kodai Senga, aims to make a return to the mound before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga's year has been marked by a series of setbacks, significantly hampering his contributions to the team’s rotation. While the Mets continue to vie for a playoff spot, Senga's potential return could provide a crucial boost.
"If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," stated David Stearns, reflecting a sense of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp.
Season of Setbacks
The 31-year-old pitcher has fought through multiple injuries this season. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga managed just one major-league appearance before a high-grade calf strain further hindered his return. Despite his best efforts, these injuries have left him estimating his recovery at only 70% to 80%.
The 2023 campaign stands in stark contrast to Senga's impressive performance last season, where he posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His 2022 season was not only highlighted by his ERA but also by his 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. These numbers earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and saw him finish second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award voting.
Mets' Strained Rotation
Senga's prolonged absence has placed additional strain on the Mets' starting rotation, which is already depleted due to injuries to other key players. Both Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. As a result, the Mets have had to lean heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters to fill the void.
Playoff Implications
The Mets find themselves in a tight race for the playoffs, currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. Holding a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the Mets are set to face the Braves in a crucial three-game series. This matchup could potentially decide the season series tiebreaker and, consequently, which team advances to the playoffs.
Given these high stakes, Senga's return could not come at a more pivotal time. His potential to solidify the rotation and ease the workload on the bullpen could be instrumental in the Mets' playoff push.
Looking Ahead
While Senga's road to recovery has been arduous, his potential return offers a glimmer of hope for the Mets. With his past performance underscoring his capabilities, a healthy Senga could provide the spark the Mets need to secure a postseason berth.
As the regular season winds down and the Mets find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, all eyes will be on Senga’s recovery progress. In a year marred by injuries and uncertainty, his comeback could be the defining moment the Mets have been waiting for.