Kodai Senga's Roller-Coaster Season Nearing Redemption
As the New York Mets' regular season approaches its conclusion on September 29, there is cautious optimism surrounding the potential return of star pitcher Kodai Senga. The 31-year-old, who has been plagued by a series of injuries this season, believes he is now 70% to 80% recovered and hopes to make a pivotal comeback.
Senga's 2023 campaign has been anything but smooth. Initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until late July, his return to the mound was short-lived due to a subsequent high-grade calf strain. These setbacks have limited him to just a single appearance in the major leagues this year, a stark contrast to his outstanding performance last season.
In 2022, Senga emerged as one of the brightest talents in the league. He posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning himself a spot in the All-Star Game. His impressive 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference underscored his significant value to the team. These achievements culminated in a second-place finish in the Rookie of the Year Award voting and a commendable seventh-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting.
However, this season's injury woes have not only impacted Senga but have also put a considerable strain on the Mets' starting rotation. With Senga out, the team has had to navigate other key absences, including those of Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott, in particular, requires season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the Mets' pitching resources.
The Mets find themselves in a critical juncture as they are currently 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 their division rivals could be decisive. This series carries the weight of determining the season series tiebreaker and, ultimately, the team's advancement to the playoffs.
The absence of key pitchers has forced the Mets to rely heavily on their bullpen and less-experienced starters, a strategy that has had mixed results. Despite the challenges, there is a palpable sense of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga's return. David Stearns, the Mets' president of baseball operations, echoed this sentiment, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
Senga's return could be the boost the Mets need as they fight to secure their playoff spot. His resilience and determination to come back stronger have been evident throughout his recovery. The team and fans alike will be hoping that he can bring his A-game to help elevate the Mets during this crucial stretch.
As the clock ticks down on the regular season, all eyes are on Senga and his potential comeback. If he can return to the form that saw him shine last year, he could play a pivotal role in the Mets' pursuit of postseason glory. For now, the Mets must navigate their remaining games with the hope that Senga’s return will align perfectly with their playoff aspirations.