As the regular season nears its conclusion, Kodai Senga is aiming for a return before September 29, signaling a beacon of hope for a beleaguered Mets' pitching staff. Senga, at 31, has been plagued by multiple injuries this year, which have drastically limited his playing time and effectiveness.
Senga's 2023 season has been a tale of setbacks. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, his attempted comeback was quickly thwarted by a high-grade calf strain in his first outing. These injuries have restricted him to a single major-league appearance this year, a stark contrast to his impressive 2022 campaign. Last season, Senga garnered 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 while nabbing seventh place in Cy Young Award voting. His impact was evident, with an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.
The Mets, currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, have been grappling with Senga's absence alongside other crucial gaps in their rotation. Key pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott are also unavailable, further straining the team's starting rotation. Blackburn's status remains uncertain, while Scott has been ruled out for the season, requiring elbow surgery. Because of these setbacks, the Mets have had to lean heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters, a strategy that has been met with mixed results.
The upcoming three-game series against the Atlanta Braves looms large, with the Mets holding a slender two-game lead over their division rivals. This series could determine not just the season series tiebreaker but also the trajectory of the Mets' playoff aspirations. In this critical juncture, any positive news regarding Senga's recovery is welcomed with cautious optimism.
According to Senga, his recovery is estimated to be somewhere between 70% to 80%, a promising development for a team in dire need of experienced arms. David Stearns echoed this sentiment, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." The cautious optimism reflects the broader mood within the Mets' camp, as they are well aware of the fragile nature of Senga’s return and the potential impact it could have on their playoff chase.
While the hope for Senga's return is strong, the reality is that the Mets will continue to rely on their available resources. The bullpen has seen increased usage, and the pressure will be on lesser-experienced starters to step up in pivotal games. Nonetheless, Senga’s potential comeback could provide a much-needed boost, not just in terms of skill but also in morale, offering a semblance of stability at a crucial time.
As the regular season winds down, every game, every pitch, and every player takes on added significance. For Kodai Senga and the Mets, the final stretch of the season will be a test of endurance, skill, and perhaps a bit of fortune. The outcome of the upcoming series against the Braves might just hinge on the arms that take the mound, making Senga's progress a storyline worth watching closely as the Mets fight to secure their place in the postseason.