Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Return Amid Mets' Playoff Push
In a season plagued by injuries, Mets' right-hander Kodai Senga is targeting a comeback before the regular season finale on September 29. Senga, 31, has been a beacon of hope for New York, despite his year being disrupted by multiple ailments.
Senga's injury woes began with a shoulder capsule strain that kept him out until July 26. His return was short-lived as he sustained a high-grade calf strain shortly after his initial start. These injuries have limited Senga to just one major-league appearance this season, considerably lower than his impactful 2022 campaign where he posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. Last year, Senga's performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, and he achieved a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference. Additionally, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award race.
Despite the setbacks, there is cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s recovery. According to Senga, his recovery is estimated to be between 70% and 80%. Mets general manager David Stearns stated, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
The Mets' Pitching Woes
Senga's absence has put significant strain on the Mets' starting rotation, which has also been hampered by other key injuries. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. The loss of these pitchers has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters, highlighting the impact of Senga's potential return.
Playoff Implications
The timing of Senga’s possible return couldn’t be more critical. The Mets are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a slim two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The Mets have a crucial three-game series against the Braves coming up, which could determine the season series tiebreaker and significantly affect which team advances to the playoffs.
Last Season's High
Senga’s 2022 season was a bright spot for the Mets. His impressive stats and consistent performance played a pivotal role in the team’s competitive edge. The hope within the organization is that a healthy Senga can bring some semblance of that dominance back to the mound, providing a much-needed boost as the Mets chase a playoff berth.
The Road Ahead
While Senga’s return is not set in stone, the sentiment within the clubhouse remains one of cautious optimism. His return could not only stabilize the Mets' rotation but also provide a morale boost to a roster that has shown resilience amid adversity.
As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Senga and the Mets. His comeback journey, marked by determination and resilience, mirrors the team’s own highs and lows this season. For Mets fans, the hope is that Senga’s return will herald a strong finish and propel the team into the playoffs.
The anticipation is palpable, and as David Stearns indicated, there’s a belief in the possibility of Senga contributing before the season ends. If Senga can overcome his latest injury hurdle, he could be the key to unlocking the Mets’ potential in the postseason, making his return one of the most eagerly awaited storylines in baseball this year.