New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is aiming for a return to the mound before the regular season wraps up on September 29, a comeback that could be crucial for a team in the throes of a nail-biting race for a wild-card spot. Standing at 70-80% recovery, according to his own estimation, the 31-year-old Senga has endured a season blighted by injuries.
Senga's 2023 campaign has been one of near-constant adversity. After being sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26, his return was met with another obstacle – a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. This sequence of setbacks has limited him to just a single major-league appearance this year, a stark contrast to his impressive previous season.
Last year, Senga was a standout performer, boasting a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. His efforts earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Senga finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in the Cy Young Award voting. Such credentials highlight just how significant his potential return could be for the Mets.
The Mets' pitching rotation has been significantly strained not just by Senga's absence but also due to the unavailability of Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. The latter is facing season-ending elbow surgery, putting the Mets in a challenging position. Currently, the team is tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
The upcoming three-game series against the Braves is poised to be pivotal. This series could very well determine the season series tiebreaker, possibly influencing which team will advance to the playoffs. Without key pitchers, the Mets have been heavily reliant on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters, a strategy that can only stretch so far.
There is a cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga's return. David Stearns commented, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." His potential comeback is seen not just as a pivotal reinforcement but also a morale booster for a rotation that has struggled amidst multiple absences.
The significance of Senga's return extends beyond mere numbers. Last season's star could bring a stabilizing presence and the experience desperately needed in such a high-stakes stretch. As the regular season winds down, the Mets will be banking on their talented but oft-injured pitcher to help them past the finish line.
Senga's return timeline remains tight, but the impact he could have cannot be overstated. Every game from here on out is critical, and having a pitcher of his caliber could be the difference-maker for the Mets' postseason aspirations.
In the meantime, the Mets must continue to make do with what they have, hoping that their bullpen and inexperienced starters can hold the line until Senga's potential return. The team's leadership remains hopeful yet realistic, understanding the fine margins that could either lead them into October baseball or a premature end to their season.
The drama of major-league baseball is unfolding for the Mets in real-time, and every pitch, every play, and every decision from here could alter the trajectory of their season. Kodai Senga’s potential return is a developing storyline to watch, one that could bring a ray of hope to a team in the throes of uncertainty.