New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns provided an update on Kodai Senga‘s health on Tuesday. Stearns told reporters that testing revealed a moderate right posterior capsule strain in Senga’s shoulder. He also said Senga would not throw until symptoms subside and that Senga would begin the year on the Injured List.
Kodai Senga Update: Pitcher to Begin Season on Injured List
Senga, perhaps the most important starter in the team’s rotation, did not practice on Wednesday due to what the team called “arm fatigue.” Manager Carlos Mendoza said that the issue did not seem severe and that more testing would occur.
David Stearns said Kodai Senga has moderate strain in the back of his right shoulder.
He will be shut down until the symptoms subside. He will not be ready for Opening Day. He will start on the IL but it’s not known how long he will be out.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) February 22, 2024
Senga, 31, had a great rookie year in 2022. In 29 starts, he threw 166.1 innings with a 2.98 ERA and struck out 10.9 per nine. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in the Cy Young race.
While the Japanese pitcher remained healthy last year, teams expressed concern over Senga’s arm during his free agency. Teams did not like how his elbow looked, which impacted his market.
His contract with the Mets includes arm health-related clauses. Specifically, New York can pick up a $15 million conditional option for 2028 if Senga has Tommy John surgery or misses more than 130 straight days due to a right elbow injury. This all assumes that Senga does not opt out after 2025.
While the Senga update sounds bad, Stearns also told reporters that he expects Senga to return this season and make many starts. While his vagueness doesn’t provide a timeline, Stearns said Senga will not need surgery.
"I do expect him to make a bunch of starts for us this year."
David Stearns talks about a potential timeline for Kodai Senga's return: pic.twitter.com/3JYV7wv5uc
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 22, 2024
Assuming no more injuries, the Mets will have José Quintana, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Adrian Houser in the Opening Day rotation. Tylor Megill is the leading candidate to replace Senga. However, other options include Joey Lucchesi and José Butto.
Stearns told reporters that he wants prospects like Christian Scott and Mike Vasil to get more seasoning in Triple-A and likely won’t be in the majors on Opening Day.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
