Kodai Senga Makes “Encouraging” Recovery Progress, Mets’ Manager Pleased Amidst Gradual Return

Has the impossible just happened? For a while, it seemed like the New York Mets just couldn’t catch a break. From pitchers to hitters, everything was going wrong for the Kings of the Queens. The fact they were about to enter the opening day without their ace Kodai Senga was the last straw for many. However, just as things started to look bleak for them, they received  “very encouraging” news about their ace.

Right as Spring Training games began Senga went down with some shoulder problems. While that immediately gave rise to worries about a big injury, reports revealed a moderate right posterior capsule strain. In other words, all Senga needed was a PRP shot. Still that shut him down for 3 weeks and effectively eliminated him from the opening week. Now the Mets’ skipper has given a great health update about the ace.

As SNY posted, in a recent talk with reporters Carlos Mendoza shared that Senga was nearing the mound at a great pace. “So he got an MRI two days ago. We had a lot of people look at it yesterday and the results are very very encouraging,” Mendoza revealed.

“Inflammation’s gone, so he’s pretty much clear from the doctors. Now it’s up to our internal testing. Making sure he passes all – the power test, the shoulder strengths, and things like that before he starts the throwing program, which should happen in the next week,” Mendoza finished. The skipper looked ecstatic while revealing these results.

However, while Senga will probably start throwing soon, there’s still a long way to go before he can return to the mound. With the timeline still murky, the Mets’ journey hasn’t eased up yet.

Kodai Senga’s possible timeline to return to the mound

Usually, a pitcher cannot immediately get back into the groove; the same will be the case with Senga. Initially, it was expected that he’d be back in the big league games by May. However, Senga’s return to the throwing program has gone a week ahead of the schedule. Still, as Yahoo Sports’ Danny Abriano estimated – even six weeks of buildup still dates his return to May. 

So as it stands, even in the best-case scenario the Mets will have to go a whole month without their leading pitcher. While the team’s rotation’s quality remains questionable, the recent good form by Luis Severino has led to some hopes. At this stage, that’s all they need because for the first time – the Mets might be catching a break.

Read more: New York Mets in Trouble? Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte Hitting Struggles Continue With Opening Day in Sight