New York Mets ace pitcher Kodai Senga has faced a tough season, waiting until July 26 to make his debut after a shoulder injury. His first game was impressive, but he had to exit with a severe left calf strain, which has kept him sidelined since. Despite his absence, the Mets remain in the playoff hunt, just half a game behind the Atlanta Braves for the final Wild Card spot, and have won seven straight games.
The potential return of Senga would be a significant boost for the Mets’ postseason aspirations. While his expected return is more likely in late September, around the 25th, rather than earlier in the month, his presence could greatly benefit the team.
Senga’s return could be as a reliever, but recent developments have sparked excitement within the organization. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, there’s a possibility he might come back as a starter, which would provide the Mets with another top-tier option for the crucial final games of the regular season. Martino reports that Senga impressed the team with a strong 25-pitch bullpen session at Citi Field. Although he has only made one start this season and has faced setbacks, the team prefers him as a starter for even brief outings. Tylor Megill, with his bullpen experience, is seen as better suited for high-leverage relief roles in the postseason.
There might not be enough time to fully stretch Senga into a complete starter’s workload by the 25th, but he could potentially make some starts, pitching four or five innings as he builds up his stamina. The Mets are cautious, considering his previous shoulder issues.
Regardless of the role, having Senga back would be a major asset. As a rookie, he posted a 2.98 ERA in 166.1 innings with 202 strikeouts. Even in limited innings, his return would be a valuable addition to the Mets’ pitching staff.
