Kodai Senga Aims for Comeback as Mets Battle for Playoff Spot
The New York Mets are closely watching the progress of Kodai Senga, who hopes to make a return before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, marred by multiple injuries throughout the 2023 campaign, is currently estimated to be between 70% and 80% in his recovery.
Senga's Injury-Plagued Season
Senga, 31, has faced a tumultuous season primarily on the sidelines. A shoulder capsule strain initially put him out of action until July 26. Upon his return, he suffered a severe calf strain that halted his comeback attempt. Due to these setbacks, Senga has managed only one major-league appearance this year, a stark contrast to his stellar performance last season.
Last season, Senga's numbers spoke volumes about his potential and skill. He posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game. Additionally, he had a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and was estimated to have contributed 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His outstanding performance earned him second place in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Impact on Mets' Rotation
The Mets' starting rotation has been strained with not only Senga's injuries but also other key absences. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are both currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters, putting additional stress on the team as they vie for a playoff berth.
As of now, the Mets hold a precarious position tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, with a narrow 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 potentially which team advances to the playoffs.
Cautious Optimism for Senga's Return
Despite the challenges, there is a general sentiment of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga's return. Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, hinted at this hopeful outlook, saying, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
A successful return for Senga could be pivotal not just for the Mets' middling rotation but also for the morale of a team looking to solidify its postseason ambitions. With such a high-stakes series against the Braves on the horizon, any boost to the pitching staff will be invaluable.
Looking Forward
Senga's eventual return also provides a glimmer of hope in a season largely defined by absence and recovery. As he continues to make strides towards full fitness, the Mets and their fans are eagerly anticipating his contributions on the mound once more. If he can replicate even a portion of last year's form, Senga could play a crucial role in the playoff push and possibly further.
For now, all eyes are on the rehabilitation process. The coming weeks will be telling as the Mets aim to keep their postseason dreams alive and witness the comeback of one of their star pitchers.