Kodai Senga has faced a challenging season marred by a series of injuries, but there is a glimmer of hope as he aims to return to the mound before the regular season concludes on September 29. At 31 years old, Senga has been through the wringer, battling a myriad of physical setbacks that have significantly limited his appearances this year.
Recovering from Injuries
Senga’s ordeal began with a shoulder capsule strain that sidelined him until July 26. In an ill-timed twist of fate, his return to the field was cut short by a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. Despite these setbacks, Senga estimates that he is now at 70% to 80% recovery, offering a shred of hope to a beleaguered Mets rotation.
His struggle contrasts sharply with his impressive performance last season, where Senga boasted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game. His accolades didn't stop there; he had a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and amassed an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Senga’s stellar run also saw him finish second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
The Mets’ rotation strain
The Mets’ pitching staff has been under tremendous strain this season, exacerbated by Senga’s absence and other key pitchers being unavailable. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, critical arms in the rotation, are currently sidelined. Scott’s season-ending elbow surgery has further deepened the void.
Consequently, the Mets have had to heavily rely on their bullpen and less experienced starters to fill the gaps. As the team claws for a postseason berth, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, every game takes on heightened importance. The Mets currently hold a narrow two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves and face an upcoming three-game series against them which could be pivotal. This series has the potential to determine the season series tiebreaker and, ultimately, which team advances to the playoffs.
Cautious Optimism
Within the Mets' camp, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding Senga’s potential return. David Stearns, one of the team officials, encapsulated the sentiment, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." While fans and the team alike yearn for his return, the focus remains on ensuring his recovery is sufficient to make an impactful, sustainable contribution to the playoff push.
This sense of cautious optimism is not unfounded; Senga has proven to be a consistent and formidable force on the mound. His presence could provide the much-needed boost to a rotation in dire straits. A return to even a fraction of his form from last season could make a significant difference in the Mets' postseason ambitions.
The Road Ahead
As the Mets contemplate this crucial period, the possibility of having Senga back on the mound is a ray of hope in an otherwise turbulent season. Holding off competitors for that wild-card spot while navigating key absences is no small feat, and Senga’s return could be the narrative-changing moment the team desperately needs.
For Senga, it’s a chance to salvage what has been a fraught season, and for the Mets, an opportunity to show resilience despite the challenges. With the regular season drawing to a close, the stakes are higher than ever. The upcoming games, especially the series against the Braves, will be critical in determining the Mets' fate.
As fans hold their breath, all eyes will be on Senga's recovery progress. The hope is that the veteran pitcher can conjure up some of the magic from his previous season and help steer the Mets into the playoffs, offering a shot at redemption and success in what has been a season fraught with adversity.