Kodai Senga Eyes Late-Season Comeback Amid Injury-Plagued Year
In a season marred by injuries, Kodai Senga is striving to make a timely return to bolster the New York Mets' playoff push. The 31-year-old right-hander hopes to be back on the mound before the regular season concludes on September 29.
Senga's 2023 campaign has been anything but smooth. Struggles with multiple injuries have limited the Japanese ace to just a single major-league appearance. The challenges for Senga began with a shoulder capsule strain that kept him sidelined until July 26. When he finally returned, it didn’t take long for another setback in the form of a high-grade calf strain.
Despite these injuries, Senga remains optimistic about his recovery, estimating his progress to be between 70% and 80%. Within the Mets' camp, there's a sentiment of cautious optimism about his return. David Stearns encapsulated the club's hopes, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
Mets' Rotation Under Duress
Senga’s absence has placed significant strain on the Mets’ starting rotation. Compounding the issue, other key pitchers such as Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable. Scott’s absence, in particular, is set to stretch beyond this season as he requires season-ending elbow surgery. In light of these challenges, the Mets have been forced to lean heavily on their bullpen as well as less experienced starters.
The timing of Senga’s potential comeback could be pivotal. The Mets are in a heated race for the second wild-card spot, currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They hold a slender two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, with an upcoming three-game series against them that could very well determine which team advances to the playoffs. This series is not just crucial for the standings, but will also decide the season series tiebreaker.
Recalling Senga’s Stellar 2022 Season
Senga’s potential return becomes all the more crucial when considering his performance last season. In a breakout year, he posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a coveted spot in the All-Star Game. His 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (according to Baseball Reference) underline the impact he had on the team. He capped off the season by finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
This level of performance underscores why the Mets are eager to have him back, especially at such a critical juncture. His return could provide a significant boost to a team that’s been fighting hard to stay in the playoff race despite numerous setbacks.
Final Push
With the regular season winding down, every game has heightened importance. The Mets are acutely aware of the stakes as they brace for the vital series against the Braves. The absence of key pitchers has undoubtedly made their journey more arduous, but the potential return of Kodai Senga offers a glimmer of hope.
As the days count down to September 29, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hoping for a resurgence from their star pitcher. If Senga’s recovery continues on its current trajectory, his comeback could be the linchpin in the Mets' playoff aspirations. For now, the team remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on each game with the hope that their injury-plagued season can still end on a high note.