Kodai Senga Eyes September Return Amid Injury-Stricken Season
Kodai Senga is eyeing a return to the pitcher’s mound, hopeful to rejoin the New York Mets' starting rotation before the conclusion of the regular season on September 29. Senga, who has battled through numerous injuries this year, estimates his recovery to be around 70% to 80% complete. The 31-year-old right-hander's 2023 campaign has been severely impacted by these setbacks, limiting him to a mere single major-league appearance thus far.
Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga's return to the field was short-lived as he then suffered a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. His absence has been keenly felt by the Mets, whose rotation has been significantly strained due to his injuries and other key absences.
A Season to Forget
Last season, Senga was a standout performer, boasting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, as well as recognition in the Rookie of the Year Award voting, where he finished second, and the Cy Young Award voting, where he placed seventh. Additionally, he posted a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
This year, the narrative has been starkly different. Senga’s return is highly anticipated as the Mets are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. With a razor-thin two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the upcoming three-game series against the Braves could be pivotal in determining which team advances to the playoffs. Without key pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, who is out for the season with elbow surgery, the Mets have been forced to rely heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters.
Amid these challenges, there is a general sentiment of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s potential return. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns commented, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." This glimmer of hope is significant for a team grappling with sustaining their playoff bid.
Challenges for the Mets
The Mets' starting rotation has been under severe strain, largely due to Senga's injuries and other critical absences. With the loss of Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott to a season-ending elbow surgery, the rotation’s depth has been tested. In response, the Mets have had to lean heavily on their bullpen and less-seasoned pitchers, a strategy that, while necessary, has placed additional pressure on the team's overall performance.
The upcoming series against the Braves is set to be a critical juncture. The outcome could potentially determine the season series tiebreaker and play a decisive role in the Mets' playoff aspirations. Given these circumstances, Senga’s return could provide not only a much-needed boost to the rotation but also a morale uplift to a team that has wavered under the weight of numerous injuries.
Looking Ahead
As Senga continues his recovery, the Mets organization and their fans are watching closely, hopeful that the 31-year-old can return and replicate his exceptional form from last season. A healthy Senga would significantly enhance the Mets' chances of securing a playoff spot and making a deeper run in the postseason.
Despite the setbacks, the resilience of the team and the potential return of one of their star pitchers provide a glimmer of hope. With crucial games ahead and a tightly contested wild-card race, the coming weeks will be critical for Senga and the Mets as they navigate through one of their most challenging seasons in recent memory.