Kodai Senga is pushing for a return to the mound before the regular season concludes on September 29, bringing a ray of hope to the New York Mets as they battle for a playoff spot. Senga, who has faced multiple injuries this year, remains cautiously optimistic about his comeback, estimating his recovery to be between 70% and 80%.
The 31-year-old pitcher has had a tumultuous 2023 campaign, plagued by injuries that have restricted him to just one major-league appearance. An initial shoulder capsule strain sidelined him until late July, only for a high-grade calf strain to deliver another setback during his first start back. Despite these hurdles, there is optimism within the Mets' camp regarding his return. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," said David Stearns.
Senga's absence has left a notable void in the Mets' starting rotation, a rotation that has already been stretched thin due to other key absences. The team is currently without pitchers Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This has forced the Mets to lean heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters, which has been a challenge as they vie for a postseason berth.
Impact of Senga’s Potential Return
Having Senga back could prove pivotal for the Mets, who are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The team's upcoming three-game series against the Braves is crucial, as it could determine the season series tiebreaker and playoff advancements. A healthy Senga would provide much-needed depth and experience to the pitching rotation in these critical games.
Reflecting on last season, Senga was a key figure in the Mets' successes. He boasted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning a spot in the All-Star Game and finishing second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. His 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference highlighted his value to the team.
Mets’ Current Challenges
The strain on the starting rotation has been palpable, with the Mets grappling to maintain their competitive edge. With Blackburn and Scott unavailable, the burden has increased on the bullpen and less seasoned starters to step up. It’s a substantial ask as the team navigates the pressures of a playoff race.
Despite these challenges, the sentiment within the team remains one of cautious optimism. The potential return of Senga is seen as a beacon of hope amidst the difficulties. His presence on the mound could significantly bolster the team’s chances during the final stretch of the regular season.
The stakes have never been higher for the Mets. As they prepare for the series against the Braves, every game becomes a critical juncture in their quest for October baseball. Having Kodai Senga back in the rotation, even at less than 100% health, could provide the edge the Mets need to punch their ticket to the playoffs.