UPDATE: New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga has just announced he is not ready to return to the majors, despite being healthy. After struggling in a recent game for Triple-A Syracuse, surrendering four runs over 3⅔ innings, Senga will not rejoin the Mets on his eligibility date of September 20.
This decision comes as the Mets face a critical point in their season. With the minor league season concluding on September 24, Senga will instead face hitters in a simulated game next Tuesday or Wednesday. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the team is arranging the location for this session, as Senga cannot be present with the major league team while optioned.
Senga’s recent performance was a significant setback. Earlier, he showed promise with a solid start: six innings, three hits, one run, and eight strikeouts. However, Thursday’s outing represented a serious regression, prompting concerns about his mechanics.
“Stuff wise, he was down,” Mendoza stated, addressing Senga’s latest struggles. “Whether it was the velo, execution, the secondary pitches were not sharp.” This inconsistency raises alarms as the Mets seek to solidify their rotation during a crucial playoff push.
Senga’s issues are not new. Last season, he expressed discomfort pitching in major league games, delaying his debut until late July after recovering from a shoulder injury. He then faced additional setbacks, including a strained left calf, limiting his contributions to the team.
This year started strong for Senga, posting an impressive 1.47 ERA across 73⅔ innings in 13 starts. However, after a hamstring strain on June 12, he has struggled to regain his form, recording a troubling 6.56 ERA since returning. The Mets, who once held the best record in the majors, now find themselves relying on rookie pitchers.
With Senga’s status unclear, the Mets have turned to three rookies: Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat. McLean has excelled, boasting a 1.19 ERA in six starts and is expected to be a key player in the upcoming wild-card series if the Mets qualify.
Mendoza indicated that Senga could “maybe” be considered for the Mets’ final series against the Miami Marlins, but this would depend on several uncertain factors. “We’re having those conversations, but it’s too early to tell,” he added, highlighting the precarious nature of Senga’s situation.
As the Mets navigate these challenges, the urgency for Senga to regain his form grows. His performance will be critical not just for his career, but for the team’s postseason aspirations. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if Senga can find his rhythm again in time for a playoff run. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.