Kodai Senga Eyes Return as Mets Juggle Pitching Challenges
As the regular season draws to a close, Kodai Senga is determined to make a comeback before September 29. The 31-year-old pitcher, who has grappled with multiple injuries this season, estimates his recovery to be between 70% and 80%.
The 2023 campaign has been an arduous one for Senga. He has been restricted to a solitary major-league appearance after an array of injuries plagued his season. Initially, a shoulder capsule strain sidelined him until July 26. Unfortunately, his return to the mound resulted in a high-grade calf strain.
Last season, Senga was nothing short of exceptional. Over 29 starts, he posted a 2.98 ERA, earned a spot in the All-Star Game, and flaunted a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio. According to Baseball Reference, he also had an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement. His stellar performance earned him second place in Rookie of the Year Award voting and a seventh-place finish in Cy Young Award voting.
Mets' Rotation Under Strain
The injuries to Senga have further strained an already beleaguered Mets starting rotation. The team is currently grappling with the absence of key pitchers Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott's season-ending elbow surgery has only exacerbated the challenges faced by the team.
Senga’s possible return brings a glimmer of hope to the Mets, who are neck-and-neck with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. They currently hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, which adds further suspense to the upcoming three-game series against their rivals. This series is poised to determine the season series tiebreaker, a factor that could be pivotal in playoff advancement.
With key pitchers unavailable, the Mets have been compelled to rely heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters. This situation has only underscored the significance of Senga’s potential return. There is a general sentiment within the Mets' camp of cautious optimism regarding his recovery. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," said David Stearns.
A Season of High Stakes
The stakes could not be higher as the Mets navigate the final stretch of the regular season. The team’s resilience will be put to the test as they face the Braves, a series that could potentially determine their playoff fate. The heavy reliance on the bullpen and less experienced starters has exposed the depth issues within the Mets' pitching staff, making Senga’s potential return all the more critical.
As the clock ticks down to September 29, Senga’s health and readiness to return to the mound will be a storyline to watch closely. The Mets' playoff aspirations may very well hinge on his ability to bounce back and contribute in these crucial final games.
For Senga, the journey back to the mound is not just about physical recovery. It is also about reclaiming the form and dominance that made him a standout player last season. His comeback could be the boost the Mets need to secure their spot in the playoffs and make a deep run in October.
The next few weeks promise to be a rollercoaster for Mets fans, with every game carrying significant weight. Senga’s progress and potential return will be a significant subplot in this high-stakes narrative, as the Mets strive to overcome their challenges and clinch a coveted playoff berth.