Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Return Amid Struggles
As the regular season nears its end, Kodai Senga is hopeful for a comeback before the September 29 wrap-up. The 31-year-old pitcher, who has experienced significant setbacks due to multiple injuries, estimates his recovery is now between 70% and 80%. The Mets organization is cautiously optimistic about his return, as noted by David Stearns, “If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him.”
Senga’s 2023 season has been a challenging one. After a promising debut, he has been sidelined for most of the year. Initially, a shoulder capsule strain took him out of action until July 26. Just when it seemed he was ready to make a comeback, a high-grade calf strain in his first start back further delayed his return. Despite these setbacks, Senga’s determination to return to the mound before the season ends is unwavering.
Last season, Senga showed tremendous promise with a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game. He also had a remarkable 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and was estimated to have 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His stellar performance garnered him second place in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. These accolades highlight the significant impact Senga had on the Mets’ rotation last season.
However, Senga’s absence this year has taken a toll on the Mets. The starting rotation has struggled with the absence of not only Senga but also other key players. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This depletion has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters to fill the gap.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for Senga’s potential return, as the Mets are presently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. They hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, and an upcoming three-game series against the Braves could determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
The Mets’ camp is filled with cautious optimism. Senga’s return could provide a much-needed boost for a team that has had to navigate a season filled with pitching woes. His experience and previous success could be the difference-maker in these crucial final games.
For now, all eyes are on Senga and his recovery. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that he can regain his form and play a pivotal role in the Mets’ push for the playoffs. The coming weeks will reveal if Senga can turn his season around and contribute when the Mets need him the most.