UPDATE: New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga has just announced he is not ready to return to the major leagues, despite being healthy. After a disappointing outing where he allowed four runs over 3⅔ innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, Senga informed team officials during a call on Friday that he needs more time to refine his mechanics.
This development is urgent as the Mets are in the heat of the playoff race. With the minor league season concluding this Sunday, Senga’s current plan is to face hitters in a simulated setting next Tuesday or Wednesday. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is working to determine the location for this session, as Senga cannot be with the major league team while optioned.
Senga’s first start after his demotion showed promise, where he pitched six innings with three hits, one run, and eight strikeouts. However, Thursday’s performance marked a setback in his efforts, leading to questions about his readiness. Mendoza noted, “Stuff wise, [he] was down,” referring to Senga’s decreased velocity and ineffective secondary pitches.
This isn’t the first time the 32-year-old pitcher has voiced discomfort with pitching at the major league level while healthy. Last season, he faced similar mechanical issues that delayed his debut until late July, and he has struggled with injuries this year, starting strong with a 1.47 ERA before a hamstring strain sidelined him.
For the Mets, Senga’s issues are perplexing as they are currently fielding rookie pitchers. Following Senga’s struggles, rookies Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat were thrust into the rotation, with McLean impressively boasting a 1.19 ERA in his six starts.
Mendoza commented on Senga’s situation, saying, “Health-wise, he’s 100% fine,” but the team has yet to identify the root of his ongoing challenges. The Mets are pushing for effective starts as they navigate the playoff landscape, and Senga’s future remains uncertain.
As the Mets prepare for their season-ending series against the Miami Marlins, Senga’s potential return is still up in the air. Mendoza stated there could be a chance for Senga to pitch in that series, but many steps remain before that can happen.
The Mets are eager to resolve these pitching woes as they aim for postseason success. Fans are left wondering if Senga can regain his early-season form or if the team will continue to rely on its promising rookies as the season draws to a close.
