New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and New York Mets ace Kodai Senga are both dealing with injuries but are headed in different directions. Cole, the reigning American League Cy Young award winner, took a big step in his recovery from an elbow injury by throwing a live batting practice session for the first time since the injury flared up during spring training. On the other hand, Senga, a 2023 All-Star and finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year award, suffered a setback in his recovery from a right shoulder capsule strain with triceps tightness.
Senga, 31, has not pitched at all this season and is currently on the 60-day injured list. He was scheduled to have a bullpen session but was unable to throw due to triceps tightness. Despite the setback, he was able to play a light catch on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back. In contrast, Cole, dressed in his full Yankees uniform, threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium, hitting 96 mph. While both pitchers are working through their injuries, their recoveries are progressing at different rates.
The two pitchers’ progress reflects the overall performance of their respective teams in New York. The Yankees currently hold the best record in the American League at 33-16 and lead all of Major League Baseball with a 2.86 ERA. In contrast, the Mets are struggling with a record of 21-26 and have lost eight of their last 11 games. The discrepancies in their records highlight the different paths these two teams are on this season.
While Cole and the Yankees have been cautious in providing an exact return timeline, reports suggest he could possibly return in June. Cole expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that a June return is not out of the question. Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Cole’s sentiment, emphasizing that things are progressing well but refraining from making specific predictions. On the other hand, Senga’s setback has raised concerns about the timeline for his return to the Mets’ rotation.
As Cole and Senga navigate their recoveries, the contrasting trajectories of these two pitchers mirror the performance of their teams in New York. With the Yankees excelling on the field and leading the league in several key categories, including ERA, they are positioned as contenders in the American League. Meanwhile, the struggling Mets are facing challenges as they try to turn their season around and climb in the standings. The injuries to their aces serve as a microcosm of the fortunes of these two New York teams in the 2024 season.
