Kodai Senga Eyes Return as Mets' Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
As the Mets push toward the playoffs, pitcher Kodai Senga hopes to stage a dramatic comeback before the regular season concludes on September 29. Hampered by a series of injuries throughout the 2023 campaign, Senga’s return could be pivotal for a team desperately in need of talent on the mound.
At 31 years old, Senga has faced an uphill battle this season. His struggles began with a shoulder capsule strain that sidelined him until July 26. Shortly after his initial return, a high-grade calf strain further limited his ability to contribute. These injuries have resulted in Senga making just one major-league appearance this season. Despite these setbacks, Senga estimates his current recovery to be between 70% and 80%, offering a glimmer of hope for the Mets' strained rotation.
David Stearns, the Mets’ General Manager, expressed cautious optimism about Senga's recovery journey. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," Stearns noted, reflecting the overall sentiment within the organization.
Last Season's Stellar Performance
Last season, Senga was a crucial asset for the Mets. He boasted an impressive 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game. Highlighting his dominance, he achieved a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and was estimated to have contributed 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His stellar performance did not go unnoticed as he finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
The contrast between his impact last season and the current year is stark. Injuries have not only hindered Senga but have also significantly strained the Mets’ overall pitching staff.
Mets' Rotational Woes
Besides Senga's unfortunate injuries, the Mets have had to cope without Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Blackburn’s return remains uncertain, while Scott requires season-ending elbow surgery. These absences have forced the team to rely heavily on its bullpen and less-experienced starters.
Currently, the Mets are locked in a tight race for the postseason. Tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, they hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. The upcoming three-game series against the Braves looms large, as it could ultimately determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
The Importance of Senga's Return
As the clock ticks down on the regular season, every game carries additional weight. With key pitchers out, the return of a talent like Senga could not be more crucial. The team’s heavy reliance on the bullpen has been unsustainable, and reinforcements are desperately needed to give the Mets a fighting chance at clinching a playoff berth.
There is a palpable sense of hope mixed with caution within the Mets' camp. Senga’s potential return to the mound would not only bolster the starting rotation but also provide a psychological boost to a team striving to overcome adversity. As the Mets navigate through their final games, all eyes will be on Senga and his quest to reclaim his form from last season's standout performance.
The Mets are no strangers to battling through challenges, and the next few weeks will be a testament to their resilience. Should Senga make his anticipated return, it could very well be the spark that the Mets need to elevate their performance and secure their place in the postseason. Until then, fans and teammates alike remain hopeful, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Senga’s journey back to the mound.