Kodai SengaThe first start of the 2024 season was cut short by injuries, and the Mets announced today that the right-hander has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a calf strain. That's right Eric Orze was also optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, and two roster spots will be filled by Taylor Megill (called up to Triple-A) and a new arrival Ryne Stanek (acquired yesterday by trade with seafarers).
After suffering from a capsule in the shoulder during Spring training, Senga's recovery was delayed due to some adjustments and a triceps injury, which returned his first game of the season in last night's game against the Braves. Despite the extended layoff, Senga looked sharp, and finished the start with two earned runs on two hits and a walk over 5 1/3 innings of work. Unfortunately, that final game in Senga's start saw the righty fall to the ground while leaving the mound during an Austin Riley exhibition, and Senga was ejected after consulting with the team's trainers.
Senga was supposed to go for an MRI today, and the results of that scan led him to be immediately put on IL for 15 days. More details on the severity of the ordeal will likely be revealed later today, although from the admittedly unscientific way of looking at the obvious pain on Senga's face after the injury, one would suspect that he will be out for much longer than just 15 days. Depending on how much it struggles, there is no question that Senga's season could be in jeopardy.
Even if Senga can pitch again in 2024, the calf injury is another nagging problem in what has been a frustrating second season for the righty in Major League Baseball. The longtime NPB star arrived in the majors with much fanfare when he signed a five-year, $75MM free agent deal with New York during the 2022-23 offseason, and immediately delivered hype by posting an ERA which is 2.98 over 166 1/3. Innings in 2023. In the midst of a disappointing season for the Mets, Senga's rapid success at least gave hope that the franchise might be able to turn things around in a relatively short period of time. The irony is that the Mets have been effective this year, despite Senga not having any of his contributions outside of Friday's start.
More to come…
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