The Mets Cling to Playoff Hopes as Senga Eyes Return
As the regular season edges closer to its culmination on September 29, the New York Mets are anxiously awaiting the return of Kodai Senga. The star pitcher, who dazzled fans and critics alike with his performance last year, has been marred by a series of unfortunate injuries this season. With a mere single major-league appearance to his name for 2023, Senga is hopeful that he can bounce back in time to aid his team’s playoff push.
A Season Ruled by Injuries
Senga's struggles began with a debilitating shoulder capsule strain that kept him out until late July. Just as he appeared poised to re-enter the rotation, a high-grade calf strain in his first start back stifled any momentum. These physical setbacks have kept the pitcher from showcasing the form that saw him post a 2.98 ERA over 29 starts last season, a performance that earned him an All-Star Game selection, and included a notable 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement as per Baseball Reference.
The significance of his absence cannot be overstated, particularly for a Mets team embroiled in a tight battle for a wild-card spot. Currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Mets find themselves clinging to a slender two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, with an upcoming three-game series against the Braves threatening to determine the tiebreaker and ultimately, playoff qualification.
Mounting Pressure on the Rotation
Compounding the pressure on the Mets’ starting rotation are additional injuries to key pitchers Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, the latter out for the season following elbow surgery. The next-man-up approach has stretched the bullpen and lesser-experienced starters thin, placing additional strain on a roster already fighting to maintain its postseason ambitions.
In the midst of these challenges, the return of Senga could not come soon enough. David Stearns, the team's executive, remained cautiously optimistic about the pitcher’s progress, stating, "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him."
Senga himself has placed his current recovery between 70% and 80%, an indication that while he may not be at full strength, there is potential for him to make significant contributions down the stretch. Given that last season he finished second in Rookie of the Year Award voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting, his return could offer a pivotal boost.
A Make-or-Break Series
The series against the Braves could well be the crucible in which the Mets' playoff fates are forged. With key pitchers sidelined, the burden has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the bullpen and emerging talent. Yet, there is an air of cautious optimism within the Mets' camp, buoyed by the possibility of Senga’s comeback and a collective determination to navigate the team's mounting obstacles.
It remains to be seen whether Senga can regain his formidable form from last season, when his performance on the mound turned heads and made him a central figure for the franchise. For Mets fans and teammates alike, his potential return represents a beacon of hope in an otherwise trying season.
As the clock winds down on the regular season, every game, every inning, and every pitch could make the difference. The Mets' capacity to weather their injury woes and lean on returning talents like Senga will be crucial in their pursuit of October baseball.
The days ahead will determine whether the Mets can leverage their resilience and manage their challenges to secure a playoff berth. For now, the focus remains squarely on survival, with a battered yet undeterred Kodai Senga key to their postseason dreams.