Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old pitcher who has faced a season marred by injuries, is aiming for a comeback before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, whose 2023 campaign has been significantly disrupted, has only managed a single major-league appearance this year.
After being initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga’s return was further complicated by a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. Despite these setbacks, Senga estimates his recovery to be between 70% and 80%, providing a glimmer of hope for the Mets' beleaguered starting rotation. David Stearns remarked, “If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him,” suggesting a cautious optimism within the team’s camp regarding Senga’s return.
The absence of key pitchers has put considerable strain on the Mets, who are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. With Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott also unavailable—and Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery—the team has had to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters. This situation has placed additional pressure on the Mets, who hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
Last Season’s Brilliance
Senga’s struggles this year are all the more poignant considering his standout performance in the previous season. Last year, he boasted a stellar 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, which earned him a spot in the All-Star Game. His 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, underscored his invaluable contribution to the team. These achievements saw him finish second in the Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award voting, cementing his reputation as a critical asset for the Mets.
A Crucial Series Ahead
The Mets are set to face the Atlanta Braves in a critical three-game series that could determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs. The significance of having Senga back in the rotation for this decisive stretch cannot be overstated. Without their key pitchers, the Mets' bullpen has been overtaxed, and the inclusion of Senga, even at less than full health, could provide a much-needed boost.
Cautious Optimism
While Senga is eager to return and help his team in this pivotal moment, the general sentiment within the Mets' camp is one of cautious optimism. The team recognizes the importance of not rushing Senga back prematurely, which could risk further injury. Yet, the prospect of having a pitcher of Senga's caliber available, even in a limited capacity, offers a beacon of hope for a rotation in dire need of reinforcement.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Mets' fate hangs in the balance. Whether Senga’s comeback can tilt the scales in their favor remains to be seen, but the possibility of his return provides a crucial ray of hope in a season fraught with adversity.