Kodai Senga, who has struggled with multiple injuries throughout the current season, is aiming to make a comeback before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, 31, has had a rocky year marked by setbacks that have limited him to a single major-league appearance.
Struggles and Setbacks
The Mets' pitcher was first sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain and only returned to action on July 26. However, his comeback was short-lived as he suffered a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. Despite these challenges, Senga is optimistic about his recovery, estimating his progress to be between 70% and 80%.
A Season to Forget
Senga's 2023 campaign has been anything but smooth. The injuries have not only impacted his individual performance but have also placed additional strain on the Mets' starting rotation. With the absences of key pitchers like Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, who requires season-ending elbow surgery, the team has had to rely heavily on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters.
Past Glories
Last season, Senga was a key asset for the Mets, posting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and accolades for his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.62. Moreover, he was estimated to have a 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, finishing second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Team Dynamics and Playoff Implications
The Mets are currently in a critical position, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot. They hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, making their upcoming three-game series against the Braves pivotal. This series could determine the season series tiebreaker and ultimately, which team advances to the playoffs.
With the burden of this critical juncture, the Mets have had to adapt, showing resilience despite the challenges posed by Senga's and other pitchers' absences. The general sentiment within the Mets' camp remains one of cautious optimism. David Stearns noted, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," highlighting the hope for Senga's return as the team navigates these crucial games.
Senga’s return could provide a much-needed boost for the Mets as they look to solidify their playoff position. His potential comeback is being watched closely by both the team management and fans alike, with the hope that he can replicate his past successes and help lead the Mets into the postseason.
Conclusion
The Mets are at a critical juncture, relying on a mix of cautious optimism and sheer determination as they wait for the possible return of Kodai Senga. As the regular season draws to a close, every game counts, and the Mets will need all the strength and skill they can muster to navigate their way to the playoffs. The return of Senga could be the X-factor in this high-stakes scenario, a sentiment echoed by the entire Mets' organization and their supporters.