Kodai Senga Eyes Return Amid Mets’ Playoff Push
As the New York Mets make their final push for a playoff spot, the potential return of Kodai Senga offers a glimmer of hope for a team battered by injuries. The 31-year-old right-hander, who has battled multiple injuries throughout the season, is aiming to make a comeback before the regular season concludes on September 29.
Senga has estimated his recovery to be between 70% and 80%, a promising sign for Mets fans eager to see him back on the mound. However, his journey back has been anything but smooth. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga's much-anticipated return was cut short by a high-grade calf strain during his first start back.
This season's woes are starkly contrasted by Senga’s 2022 performance, where he boasted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His standout contributions last season earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and a second-place finish in the Rookie of the Year Award voting, as well as a seventh-place finish 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 quickly became one of the Mets' key players.
However, injuries have limited him to just a single major-league appearance this year, exacerbating the strain on the Mets' starting rotation. The rotation’s depth has been further challenged by the absence of Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott, in particular, has been ruled out for the season following elbow surgery.
The Mets are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. A looming three-game series against the Braves could prove decisive, potentially determining the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
With key pitchers sidelined, the Mets have had to rely heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters. Amid this adversity, there is a cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s impending return. David Stearns, the Mets' President of Baseball Operations, remains hopeful, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
The possible return of Senga could be a game changer for the Mets as they seek to shore up their starting rotation and make a final push toward securing a playoff berth. His presence on the mound would not only bolster the team’s pitching depth but also provide a psychological boost to a squad that has endured a season marred by injuries and fluctuating performances.
As Senga continues his rehabilitation, the Mets remain focused on the immediate task at hand—navigating their way through the challenging series against the Braves. Every game counts, and the return of their star pitcher could be the catalyst needed to ensure their postseason ambitions are realized.
All eyes will be on Senga as he inches closer to making his comeback, and for a Mets team that has shown resilience in the face of adversity, his return could not come at a more crucial time.