The New York Mets are facing a significant setback as their ace, Kodai Senga, has been diagnosed with a moderate capsule strain in the back of his right shoulder. This injury is expected to keep him out of action at the start of the season, with president of baseball operations David Stearns confirming that Senga will likely begin the year on the injured list. The news came following an MRI that revealed the injury after Senga reported arm fatigue during spring training.
Stearns mentioned that Senga will need to rest until his symptoms improve, and the strength in his shoulder returns to normal levels. While the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, the good news is that surgery is not required to address the injury. Instead, the team will focus on rest, treatment, and possibly an injection to aid in his recovery.
Despite the setback, both Stearns and Senga remain optimistic about the ace’s future performance. Senga, speaking through an interpreter, acknowledged the importance of taking time to recover fully before returning to the game. The Mets are counting on Senga to be a key part of their rotation after an impressive rookie season, where he posted a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts last year.
With Senga expected to miss the start of the season, the Mets will need to adjust their rotation plans. While the team has added pitching depth in the offseason with signings such as Luis Severino and Sean Manaea, there are no plans to bring in an external replacement for Senga at this time. Instead, the team will rely on internal options to fill the void left by the injured ace.
As the Mets prepare to kick off the new season, the absence of Kodai Senga will undoubtedly be felt. However, the team remains hopeful that he will make a strong comeback once he is fully recovered. Senga’s determination to return to the game at his best level is a promising sign for the Mets as they aim to improve upon their fourth-place finish in the National League East last year.
Kodai Senga’s injury poses a challenge for the New York Mets as they navigate the start of the season without their ace. While his absence will be felt, the team’s decision to prioritize his recovery and long-term well-being is a wise one. With a focus on rest and rehabilitation, the Mets are hopeful that Senga will be back on the mound soon, ready to continue his impressive performance from last season.
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