Kodai Senga’s Monumental Return Eclipses Mets’ Injury Woes as Optimism Reaches New Heights

Spring training usually comes with its fair share of injury concerns, and the Mets have had their hands full this year. Lats, obliques, and the ever-frustrating “day-to-day” designations have dominated early headlines. But instead of dwelling on who’s unavailable, the Mets got a much-needed jolt of excitement when Kodai Senga returned to the mound.

After missing almost the entire 2024 season due to shoulder and triceps injuries, Senga wasted no time reminding the baseball world why he was an All-Star in 2023. He threw just one of his signature ghost forks. And that brief glimpse was enough to make hitters uncomfortable. His fastball carried its usual life, and his secondary pitches including a refined gyro-slider looked sharper than ever.

It’s clear he didn’t just spend his time rehabbing; he was fine-tuning his arsenal.

As per the New York Post, Scouts watching his Grapefruit League debut described his stuff as “really poppin’,” a phrase that might not be in any official scouting report but perfectly captures the energy Senga brought to the mound.

Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized how meticulous Senga has been in his recovery, ensuring that every step of his ramp-up process is calculated. The Mets know they can’t afford to rush him, but early signs suggest he’s right on track to reclaim his ace status. His 2023 campaign (2.98 ERA, 202 strikeouts) showed his dominance, and if he returns to that level, New York suddenly looks a lot more dangerous in the National League.

Injuries cloud the Mets’ camp – but not for long

Spring training has been tough on the Mets with players already facing injuries and recovery drills. A major setback is to the newly signed starting pitcher Sean Manaea, who will likely miss the start of the season because of a right oblique strain. Manager Carlos Mendoza shared that Manaea had been feeling discomfort since the start of camp but tried to push through. However, after failing to make progress, the team decided to shut him down for a few weeks.

On the other hand, the Mets’ prized offseason addition, A.J. Minter is also recovering from hip surgery and remains questionable for Opening Day.

Adding to these concerns, Frankie Montas is also dealing with an injury, further thinning their rotation depth.

Despite these challenges, there’s no sense of panic in camp. Kodai Senga’s return from a shoulder injury has lifted spirits. They may also explore external options, such as bringing back José Quintana, who remains a free agent.

While NYM’s depth and resilience will be tested early, a strong start remains within reach. The real question however remains: Can the Mets’ rotation hold up long enough for their injured stars to return at full strength? Let’s discuss in the comment box.