In June, the New York Mets have experienced a turnaround in their season, going from potential sellers to being just 1.5 games back of a Wild Card spot in the National League. The team has won 13 of their last 17 games, propelling them up the standings in the Wild Card race. Despite missing one of their best players, the Mets have been able to find success on the field, with a recent surge in performance.
One key player that the Mets have been missing is right-handed pitcher Kodai Senga, who has been recovering from a right shoulder capsule strain since spring training. Senga has yet to pitch at any level this season and was initially a concern for his potential return in 2024. However, there have been positive developments for Senga, as he is preparing to begin a minor league rehab assignment after completing a live batting practice session. This news is significant for the Mets, as Senga’s return would greatly strengthen their struggling rotation.
Senga had an impressive debut season in MLB last year, recording a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts and earning recognition as an All-Star. His potential return to the Mets would provide a much-needed boost to the team and could help address their pitching issues. With Senga on track to return before the end of the season, the Mets are hopeful that his presence will continue to improve their performance and position in the Wild Card race.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement limits pitchers’ minor league rehab assignments to 30 days, so Senga’s timeline for a return will likely be within that timeframe. It is still uncertain how many rehab starts Senga will need to build up his innings, but the team is optimistic about his progress. As the Mets continue to push for a playoff spot, Senga’s potential comeback is seen as a promising development that could have a significant impact on the team’s success in the second half of the season.
Despite the Mets’ struggles with their rotation this year, ranking 24th in the MLB in rotation ERA, the addition of Senga could provide much-needed stability and performance improvement. With their recent success in June and Senga’s impending return, the Mets are aiming to continue their upward trajectory in the Wild Card standings. Senga’s presence on the mound could be a game-changer for the team and help solidify their position as contenders in the NL.
