Kodai Senga Eyes Comeback Amid Mets' Playoff Push

Kodai Senga Eyes Comeback Amid Mets' Playoff Push

Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old pitcher for the New York Mets, is determined to make a significant return before the regular season ends on September 29. Despite battling multiple injuries this season, Senga remains optimistic about his recovery, estimating himself to be between 70% and 80% fit.

Senga’s 2023 campaign has been notably challenging, as injuries have limited him to just one major-league appearance. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, Senga faced further setbacks upon his return, suffering a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. These injuries have been a stark contrast to his impressive performance last season, where he achieved a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earned a spot in the All-Star Game, and was recognized in both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award votings.

Last season, Senga's performance was pivotal to the Mets’ success, boasting a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His absence this season has put considerable strain on the Mets' starting rotation, exacerbated by other key absences such as Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Notably, Scott is out for the season due to an elbow surgery, leaving the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters.

The timing of Senga’s hoped-for return could be crucial for the Mets, who are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. With a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the upcoming three-game series against their division rivals holds significant playoff implications. The series could determine the season series tiebreaker and potentially which team advances to the playoffs.

David Stearns, a key figure within the Mets' organization, has expressed cautious optimism regarding Senga’s return. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," Stearns commented, reflecting the team’s hope that Senga can bolster their rotation at a critical juncture of the season.

Without key pitchers, the Mets have faced a challenging dynamic, making strategic in-game decisions and often turning to their bullpen to close out tight matches. The potential return of Senga, therefore, is not just a boost in terms of on-field performance but also a psychological lift for a team vying for postseason glory.

This season’s injury woes are an unfortunate departure from Senga’s stellar rookie year, where he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting, highlighting his valuable presence on the mound. Fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting his return, hoping that his recovery stays on track and that he can make a meaningful impact during the Mets' final push for a playoff berth.

As the Mets prepare for their critical series against the Braves, the team remains hopeful of a late-season resurgence led by the return of their star pitcher. Kodai Senga’s fight through adversity encapsulates the resilience and determination that the Mets will need as they navigate the closing weeks of the season, eyeing a coveted spot in the playoffs.