Inside the Mets’ Pitching Woes: Senga’s Struggles and Hope for a Comeback
This season has been a challenging one for Kodai Senga and the New York Mets, as both have faced significant hurdles owing to injuries. As the team approaches the final stretch of the regular season—with the end date set for September 29—they are cautiously optimistic about Senga’s potential return to the mound.
At age 31, Senga has had a season plagued by multiple injuries, seriously hampering his ability to contribute to the Mets' campaign. Following an impressive rookie season in 2022, in which he posted a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts and earned a spot in the All-Star Game, Senga was expected to be a cornerstone of the Mets' rotation this year. His performance last year also included an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement, per Baseball Reference, and strong finishes in both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award voting.
However, a shoulder capsule strain initially sidelined him until July 26. Just when the Mets and their fans were hopeful for his return, Senga’s comeback was swiftly halted by a high-grade calf strain during his first start back. As a result, his appearances have been limited to just a single major-league game this season.
Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope. Senga estimates his recovery at around 70% to 80%, and according to Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him [Senga]." This cautious optimism within the Mets’ organization is mirrored by the underlying importance of Senga’s potential return to the team's playoff aspirations.
Mets’ Rotation Under Strain
The absence of Senga has left a noticeable void in the Mets' rotation. Compounding the problem are injuries to other key pitchers, including Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott. Adding to the strain, Christian Scott is out for the rest of the season due to elbow surgery, leaving the Mets reliant on their bullpen and lesser-experienced starters.
This over-reliance has tested the resilience and depth of the Mets' pitching staff in a highly competitive environment. The team is currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, holding a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. Interestingly, the Mets are set to face the Braves in a crucial three-game series that could very well determine the season series tiebreaker and which team advances to the playoffs.
The Final Stretch
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Mets are acutely aware of the importance of each game from here on out. Senga’s return could not only provide a significant morale boost but also strengthen a strained rotation at a crucial juncture of the season. The team is keenly awaiting any signs that confirm Senga's progress is on track, recognizing the critical role he could play if he returns in peak form.
The sense of cautious optimism is palpable, but those within the Mets' camp know that much will depend on Senga's ability to make an impactful return. There’s a lot riding on his shoulders; from stabilizing the rotation to shoring up the team's chances of making a deep playoff run.
Ultimately, the Mets' fate will hinge on how they navigate the final weeks of the season. Every game, every pitch, and every player's health status will be scrutinized and could tip the scales in this tight wild-card race. If Senga can indeed make a return and perform close to his 2022 form, the struggling Mets might find the jolt they need to secure a postseason berth.