Kodai Senga of the Mets is set to begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Friday, launching a 30-day timeline for his potential return to the team by mid-June. Currently on the injured list since April 27 due to lumbar spine inflammation, Senga is expected to pitch up to four innings and 50-60 pitches in his debut. Manager Carlos Mendoza states Senga is feeling good and ready to compete, though the team is cautious about his progress due to past setbacks. Senga’s performance upon return is critical, as previous injuries have affected his ability to deliver consistently.
By the NumbersSenga has a 2.98 ERA recorded over 29 starts in 2023, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting.His ERA ballooned to 17.28 over his last three regular-season outings prior to his IL stint this season. Yes, But
Senga’s track record raises concerns, as he previously dealt with shoulder, triceps, calf issues, and a hamstring strain, which hindered his performance and led to inconsistent results, particularly in the playoffs. These past injuries represent a significant uncertainty regarding his future reliability on the mound.
State of PlaySenga’s rehab assignment is set for Friday, marking his first game since receiving an epidural.The Mets remain cautious with Senga’s timeline, noting that he can only stay on assignment until June 20. What’s Next
If Senga performs well during his rehab assignments, he could return to the Mets before the June 20 deadline. Continuous monitoring of his health and mechanics will be crucial to ensure he is fully prepared to face Major League hitters upon his return.
Bottom Line
For Senga, returning to form is vital to both his career and the team’s success this season. The Mets and their fans must brace for the unpredictability of his recovery process while hoping for a robust return that taps into his notable potential as a top pitcher.