Kodai Senga Eyes Return as Mets Battle for Playoff Spot Amid Injury Woes
The Mets' hopes of making a deep playoff run this season have been closely intertwined with the health of their key players, especially starting pitcher Kodai Senga. The 31-year-old right-hander, who has been battling multiple injuries throughout the season, aims to make a comeback before the regular season wraps up on September 29.
Senga has had a tumultuous 2023 campaign, marked by a shoulder capsule strain that kept him sidelined until July 26. His much-anticipated return was short-lived, as a high-grade calf strain curtailed his first start back. Now, as he works through recovery, Senga estimates his current health to be somewhere between 70% and 80%.
Despite his optimism, Senga's injury-plagued season has limited him to just a single major-league appearance. This stands in stark contrast to his stellar performance last season, where he maintained a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earned a spot in the All-Star Game, and finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. With an impressive 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, Senga was a pivotal figure for the Mets.
The Mets’ starting rotation has been under immense strain due to Senga's absence and other key injuries. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are also currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This has left the team relying heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters in crucial games.
The team’s management remains cautiously optimistic about Senga's return. David Stearns expressed hope, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." Within the Mets’ camp, there is a general sentiment of cautious optimism, as Senga's return could significantly bolster their pitching lineup.
As it stands, the Mets are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is set to play a pivotal role, potentially determining the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
Without their key pitchers, the Mets have faced numerous challenges. The heavy reliance on their bullpen and less experienced starters has placed additional pressure on the team's overall performance. Every game now carries immense weight, with the Mets’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Senga’s highly anticipated return could not come at a more crucial time. His presence on the mound would provide the Mets with the depth they desperately need as they head into this critical stretch of the season. As the regular season draws to a close, his ability to contribute could be the difference between making a playoff run or watching from the sidelines.
The next few weeks will undoubtedly be challenging for the Mets, but with Senga working towards his comeback, there is a glimmer of hope within the team. Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting his return, hopeful that his resilience and skill will once again shine through and help guide the Mets through the decisive moments of the season.