Kodai Senga Eyes Return Amid Mets' Wild-Card Push
As the regular season draws to a close, Kodai Senga's potential return looms large for the New York Mets. Senga, who has been plagued by a series of injuries throughout the season, hopes to make a comeback before the season concludes on September 29. The right-hander is currently between 70% and 80% recovered, by his own estimates.
Senga's 2023 season has been significantly impacted by injuries. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, his return was shortly marred by a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. This unfortunate streak has limited him to just one major-league appearance this season, a stark contrast to his remarkable 2022 campaign.
Last year, Senga was a standout performer for the Mets. With a 2.98 ERA over 29 starts, he earned a spot in the All-Star Game and finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting. His performance also saw him placed seventh in Cy Young Award voting. Notably, Senga had a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference.
Challenges for the Mets' Rotation
Senga's absence has been deeply felt within the Mets' starting rotation, which has been further strained by other key absences. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. Due to these setbacks, the Mets have relied heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters.
The Mets are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is poised to be crucial, as it could determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
Cautious Optimism for Senga's Return
Within the Mets' camp, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding Senga’s return. David Stearns, an executive with the team, stated, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." Senga's return could provide a much-needed boost for the Mets' pitching staff during this pivotal stretch.
The Mets’ bullpen has been under considerable pressure this season, compensating for the rotation's setbacks. The return of a seasoned pitcher like Senga could alleviate some of this burden and provide the Mets with a critical advantage as they vie for a playoff spot.
Senga, now 31, brings a wealth of experience and proven performance to the mound. His potential comeback not only holds implications for the Mets' immediate prospects but also serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome a challenging season.
Looking Back at Senga's 2022 Success
Reflecting on Senga's 2022 performance, it’s clear why his return is highly anticipated. His ability to limit opposing teams' scoring, combined with his control on the mound, made him a key player for the Mets. His achievements last season established him as one of the top pitchers in the league, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
The contrast between Senga's injury-riddled 2023 and his stellar 2022 could not be more stark. However, his potential return offers a glimmer of hope for the Mets as they navigate the pressures of the wild-card race. The team’s ability to advance to the playoffs may well hinge on the readiness and effectiveness of their pitching staff.
Conclusion
As the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on Kodai Senga and his recovery. If he can return to form, he will undoubtedly be an asset for a Mets team in pursuit of playoff glory. The stakes are high, and the coming weeks will determine if Senga’s comeback can catalyze the Mets’ push through the wild-card race and into the postseason. Regardless, the journey of the Mets this season underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball and the endurance required by players and teams alike.