Kodai Senga Approaches Potential Comeback
As the Major League Baseball regular season nears its conclusion, Kodai Senga is eyeing a return to the mound. The Mets pitcher, aged 31, hopes to make a comeback before the season wraps up on September 29. Senga, despite his valiant efforts, has faced multiple injuries that have significantly marred his 2023 campaign, restricting him to just a single major-league appearance.
Injury Setbacks
Senga's season began with high hopes but quickly took a turn. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, he made his first start back with anticipation, only to be met with a high-grade calf strain. These consecutive injuries have impacted his performance and availability, leading to a strenuous situation for the Mets.
Current Recovery Status
The silver lining for Mets fans is that Senga estimates his recovery to be somewhere between 70% and 80%. This progress has infused cautious optimism within the team's camp. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," said David Stearns, reflecting the hopeful sentiment surrounding Senga’s return.
Impact of Senga’s Absence
The absence of Senga has placed a significant strain on the Mets' starting rotation. The team has also faced other key absences, with Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott currently unavailable. Scott’s condition, in particular, requires season-ending elbow surgery, further exacerbating the team's pitching woes.
Without these key pitchers, the Mets have had to rely heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters. This reliance has been a stopgap solution but is far from ideal as the team fights for postseason glory.
Last Season’s Stellar Performance
Reflecting on Senga’s stellar performance last season highlights the void his absence has created. Senga boasted an impressive 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game. His achievements further included a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. These statistics underscored his importance to the team. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting, an acknowledgment of his formidable presence on the mound.
The Playoff Race
The Mets are presently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot and hold a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. This tight race adds pressure to the upcoming three-game series against the Braves, a series that could determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
The stakes are high, and the Mets' struggles with their pitching staff could prove pivotal in this crucial series. Senga’s potential return, even if at 70% to 80% recovery, could provide the much-needed boost in securing a playoff berth.
Looking Ahead
While Senga’s journey back to the mound has been fraught with challenges, the Mets and their fans remain cautiously optimistic. Every inning he can contribute will be crucial as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season. The hope is that Senga can mirror some of his past season's brilliance, fortifying a rotation that desperately needs his skill and experience.
As the days inch closer to September 29, all eyes will be on Senga’s recovery progress. The anticipation of his return is met with measured hope—a hope that he can help lead the Mets in their quest for a postseason spot amidst one of the most tightly contested races in recent memory.