Kodai Senga, the New York Mets pitcher, is facing a setback in his 2024 season after sustaining a left calf strain during his debut game against Atlanta. This injury is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the regular season. Senga, who was anticipated to be the team's top starter this year, had been recovering from a shoulder injury that had kept him out since early in spring training.
The injury occurred when Senga hurried off the mound to allow teammate Pete Alonso to catch a popup, resulting in a high-grade calf strain as confirmed by an MRI. The Mets manager stated that it is unlikely for Senga to return before the end of the regular season, with a potential recovery timeline of eight to ten weeks.
Despite this setback, the Mets, currently holding the top National League wild card spot, have shown resilience in Senga's absence. There is a possibility of Senga returning if the team advances to the playoffs.
In his debut game, Senga displayed his prowess by striking out nine batters over 5 1/3 innings, securing a win against the Braves. Last season, he achieved a record of 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA, earning accolades as the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up and finishing seventh in Cy Young Award voting.
Following Senga's injury, the Mets have recalled Tylor Megill from Triple-A to fill the void in the rotation. Megill, who was already scheduled to start against Atlanta, will now have an extended opportunity to contribute to the team's success.
The Mets have also bolstered their bullpen by acquiring veteran relievers Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek. With the trade deadline approaching, the team may consider adding another starter to their roster to compensate for Senga's absence.
Despite the challenges, the Mets remain optimistic about their pitching options and believe that players will step up to maintain their competitive position. The team is confident in the abilities of their current starters and the potential of their prospects in Triple-A.
In a corresponding move, the Mets have optioned Eric Orze to Triple-A to accommodate the arrival of Ryne Stanek in the bullpen, acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a recent trade.
