Return on the Horizon for Senga as Mets Chase Playoff Spot
Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old pitcher whose promising career has been disrupted by injuries, is eyeing a return to the mound before the season concludes on September 29. The news serves as a beacon of hope for the New York Mets as they push for a postseason berth.
This season has been challenging for Senga, who has struggled with multiple injuries. He estimates his current recovery to be between 70% and 80%, but despite these setbacks, there is cautious optimism that he will be back soon. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," said Mets' general manager David Stearns.
Senga’s 2023 campaign has been limited to just a single major-league appearance due to a series of unfortunate injuries. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, his first start back saw him suffer a high-grade calf strain, complicating his season further.
A Steep Fall from a Stellar 2022
The contrast between this season and last is stark for Senga. In 2022, he posted a remarkable 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a coveted spot in the All-Star Game. His 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference underscored his value to the team. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting, cementing his status as one of the league's emerging stars.
Impact on the Mets' Rotation
The Mets have felt the absence of key pitchers like Senga keenly. With the starting rotation under severe strain due to injuries, including those to Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, who requires season-ending elbow surgery, the team has had to over-rely on their bullpen and less-experienced starters.
Currently, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is crucial, as it could determine the season series tiebreaker and ultimately which team secures a spot in the playoffs.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the adversity, there is a general sentiment of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s return. The potential comeback of their star pitcher could not have come at a more critical juncture. His presence on the mound would be a significant boost for a team striving to solidify its postseason credentials amidst a wave of injuries and uncertainty.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Kodai Senga and his recovery. The Mets' postseason aspirations could very well hinge on his ability to return to form and contribute in the final stretch. For a team on the precipice of the playoffs, having one of their best pitchers back could make all the difference.