Kodai Senga Hopes for a Late-Season Comeback Amid Injury-Stricken Campaign
Amid a season deeply afflicted by injuries, Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, is eyeing a return before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, whose promising 2023 campaign has been limited to just one major-league appearance, is currently in the recovery phase and estimates his progress to be between 70% and 80%.
Throughout this season, Senga has dealt with a sequence of health setbacks. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, his much-anticipated return was short-lived as he then suffered a high-grade calf strain during his first start back, further compounding his struggles on the mound.
Last season, Senga's performance was a different story. He showcased his potential by achieving a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning a spot in the All-Star Game, and boasting a solid 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His outstanding contributions also garnered him an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. These efforts did not go unnoticed as he finished second in the Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award voting.
However, the current season has been particularly trying for Senga and the Mets’ starting rotation as a whole. In addition to Senga's absences, injuries to other key pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott have further strained the roster. Blackburn remains unavailable, while Scott is set to undergo season-ending elbow surgery.
The Mets, currently vying for a playoff spot, are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card position. They are also holding a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is crucial, as it could decide the season series tiebreaker and determine which team advances to the playoffs.
With their starting rotation painfully thin, the Mets have had to depend heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters to bridge the gap. Despite these challenges, there's a palpable sense of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp about Senga’s potential return.
"If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," said David Stearns, reflecting the shared hope within the organization.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the regular season, the Mets are in desperate need of reinforcement on the mound, and a successful comeback from Senga could provide a significant boost to their playoff aspirations. For now, all eyes are on his recovery progress and the positive energy surrounding his expected return.
With pivotal games on the horizon, the Mets and their fans eagerly await the possibility of seeing an experienced and talented Senga back in action, ready to make a meaningful impact when it matters the most.