Kodai Senga Eyes Comeback as Mets Gear Up for Crucial Stretch
The New York Mets are cautiously optimistic as ace pitcher Kodai Senga aims for a return to the mound before the regular season ends on September 29. The 31-year-old has faced a litany of injuries this season, which has seen him make just a single major-league appearance.
Senga's injury woes began with a shoulder capsule strain that sidelined him until July 26. As if that wasn't enough, his first start back was disrupted by a high-grade calf strain, compounding an already frustrating season. Presently, Senga estimates his recovery at about 70% to 80%, though there's a growing sense of optimism in the Mets camp. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," noted David Stearns, providing a glimmer of hope for fans and teammates alike.
The Toll on the Mets' Rotation
Without Senga and other key pitchers, the Mets' starting rotation has been severely tested. The absence of Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott—who requires season-ending elbow surgery—has forced the team to rely heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters. This has put considerable strain on the Mets as they navigate a crucial part of their schedule.
As it stands, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. With only a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the stakes couldn't be higher. A forthcoming three-game series against the Braves will likely decide the season series tiebreaker and, ultimately, which team advances to the playoffs. The timing of Senga's potential return could be pivotal in this high-stakes context.
A Season Derailed
Senga's injuries have markedly contrasted with his impressive performance last season, where he carved out a niche as one of the league's premier pitchers. In 2022, Senga posted a stellar 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and secured a spot in the All-Star Game. He also boasted a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and achieved an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. His efforts didn't go unnoticed as he finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Unfortunately, this season has been an arduous journey marked by setbacks. Despite the medical challenges, there's a palpable sense, both within the organization and among fans, that Senga's potential return could bring much-needed stability to a beleaguered rotation.
Team Resilience
The Mets' resilience during this tumultuous period cannot be overstated. Their ability to hold onto a wild-card spot, even in the face of adversity, speaks volumes about their depth and determination. Yet, make no mistake—having a pitcher of Senga's caliber back in action would be a significant boost as they strive for a postseason berth.
The next couple of weeks will be crucial for Senga and the Mets. If Senga can successfully rehab and make it back to the lineup, his presence could well tip the scales in the Mets' favor. The team, fans, and baseball community will be watching closely, hopeful that the ace can once again deliver the kind of performance that made him a standout last season.
As the countdown to September 29 continues, the Mets find themselves in a precarious yet potentially rewarding position. With Senga potentially making his comeback in this critical phase, the narrative of the Mets' season may yet be rewritten.