Senga Eyes Comeback Before Season's End Amid Mets' Playoff Push
As the New York Mets fight to secure a postseason berth, one pitcher’s potential return could provide a significant boost. Kodai Senga, who has been plagued by injuries this season, hopes to make a comeback before the regular season wraps up on September 29. The 31-year-old Senga has endured multiple setbacks this year, significantly straining the Mets' rotation.
The right-hander has been limited to just one major-league appearance in 2023. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga’s long-awaited return was cut short by a high-grade calf strain in his first start back. Despite these hurdles, Senga estimates his recovery to be between 70% and 80%, sparking cautious optimism within the Mets' camp.
"If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," says Mets' President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns. The urgency for Senga’s return cannot be overstated. The Mets are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. An upcoming three-game series against the Braves looms large, potentially determining the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
The Mets' starting rotation has been under duress without Senga and other key pitchers. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are currently unavailable, with Scott requiring season-ending elbow surgery. This has compelled the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters, adding to the collective strain of the postseason push.
Last season, Senga was a standout, posting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, with a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting, showcasing his potential as a difference-maker for the Mets.
The Mets' playoff aspirations now hinge on getting their rotation healthy in time for the final stretch. Without the contributions of their key pitchers, they’ve had no option but to overwork their bullpen and grant opportunities to less seasoned starters. This has resulted in mixed outcomes, adding to the importance of Senga’s potential comeback.
Senga’s return could provide a timely morale boost for a team fighting to keep its postseason dreams alive. The sense of cautious optimism surrounding his recovery speaks volumes about the team’s belief in his ability to make an impact. With the clock ticking and the margin for error razor-thin, the Mets are hoping Senga can replicate his prior success and help steer them into the playoffs.
As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Senga's rehabilitation progress. The Mets’ fate might very well hinge on whether their 31-year-old ace can return to form and provide the stability their rotation desperately needs.