New York Mets ace Kodai Senga, who has not pitched since February due to a shoulder injury, is nearing a return, as he faced hitters today for the first time in that span. He’s expected to return on May 27th when eligible. The 31-year-old Japanese pitcher made his Nippon Professional Baseball debut in 2012 for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He played for them until 2022. Senga is also a three-time NPB All-Star and a one-time MLB All-Star. This is a big step he has taken on his journey to recovery.
Kodai Senga (strained shoulder capsule) faced batters today for the first time since February. He says he’ll need to do so twice more before a rehab assignment.
“As long as things keep going well, I think I’ll be back right around [May 27],” Senga said through an interpreter.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 29, 2024
Kodai Senga Is Slowly Making His Return
Kodai Senga faces live batters for the first time as he continues working his way back 👻 pic.twitter.com/8ASzjzPiHt
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 29, 2024
It’s only about a month before Senga is set to return to the Mets. Looking at the video above, you can see that Senga has some wild head movement when he throws. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza talked about how, with Senga, there wasn’t any uncertainty when he was pitching. Senga also talked about how he felt good after pitching to batters and throwing fastballs in the mid-90s. As long as things continue to progress well for him, he expects to return when he is eligible.
Taking A Closer Look At Senga
Kodai Senga’s City Connect glove 👻
If you know NY, you know 😈 pic.twitter.com/ALItEBsHAH
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2024
In 2023, Senga had impressive numbers, recording a 2.98 ERA with a 12-7 record and 1.220 WHIP. He has a five-pitch repertoire comprised of a fastball that averages around 96 mph (topping at 100 MPH), a cutter, a slider, a sparingly thrown curve, and a forkball. Those who have watched him pitch over the years consider his forkball, known as the “Ghost Fork,” to be his best pitch. Senga’s fastball typically maintains velocity late in games, and unlike many other Japanese pitchers historically, Senga’s stamina could be his strongest asset.
Senga is a pitcher with eminent international experience in baseball. In 2017, he earned a spot on the All-World Team in the World Baseball Classic. In addition, at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Senga dominated Team USA in the gold medal game. He has been a starting pitcher and at one point earned himself three successive Japan Series championships (2017 to 2019).
It’s always exciting to see a pitcher return from an injury, as MLB has had so many pitchers go on the IL due to arm and elbow injuries. Today, for example, it was confirmed that Toronto Blue Jays prospect Brandon Barriera will be undergoing Tommy John surgery. But when one door closes, another one opens, and Senga is nearing his rehab starts. He will face live batters two more times as he did today at Citi Field. It’s all about taking things slow and steady for himself. Fans were certainly excited to see Senga again on the field and the mound.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
