The New York Mets are hopeful for the return of Kodai Senga as they push towards securing a playoff berth before the regular season concludes on September 29. Senga, who has been plagued by a series of injuries throughout the 2023 season, is aiming for a comeback that could be pivotal for the Mets' postseason aspirations.
Injury-Marred Campaign
Senga’s 2023 season has been significantly hampered by injuries, limiting him to just one major-league appearance. The 31-year-old pitcher was initially sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until July 26. In a twist of misfortune, his subsequent return was cut short by a high-grade calf strain.
As of now, Senga estimates his recovery to be between 70% and 80%. Despite his cautious optimism, the Mets have been forced to navigate a challenging stretch without some of their key pitchers, including Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Scott, in particular, has been ruled out for the season due to the need for elbow surgery.
Comparison to Last Season
Senga's absence has been keenly felt by the Mets, especially considering his standout performance last season. In 2022, Senga boasted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game. His season was further highlighted by a 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His impressive performance earned him second place in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Strain on the Starting Rotation
With Senga and other key pitchers out, the Mets' starting rotation has been under considerable pressure. The team has had to rely heavily on their bullpen and less experienced starters to fill the gaps. This situation has placed additional strain on the team, which is currently in a tight race for a playoff spot.
Playoff Race Intensifies
Presently, the Mets are 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 crucial, potentially determining the season series tiebreaker and, ultimately, which team advances to the playoffs.
There is a general sentiment of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp regarding Senga’s potential return. Mets' president David Stearns remarked, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him." While his return is far from assured, Senga's presence on the mound could provide a much-needed boost for the Mets in their critical final stretch.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season nears its end, the Mets find themselves in a precarious yet hopeful position. The return of Kodai Senga could significantly impact their push for a postseason run. With a strained rotation and key players unavailable, every game matters more than ever. The Mets' ability to navigate these final games will be a testament to their resilience and depth as they strive to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the upcoming series against the Braves, a matchup that could very well define the Mets' season. Should Senga make his anticipated comeback, it could serve as a turning point for a team eager to overcome adversity and emerge victorious in their quest for postseason success.