The last thing that New York Mets need is a Kodai Senga injury.
The Japanese pitcher, who debuted last season, had an incredible 2023 season wherein he posted a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts over 29 starts and 166 1/3 innings.
He was even called up for the All-Star Game.
He should be the present for the Mets, but the future is now looking bleak for them after he was shut down today.
Team executive David Stearns announced yesterday that the 31-year-old suffered a moderate right posterior capsule strain in his shoulder.
"We're going to shut him down until these symptoms subside and strength returns to his normal levels," he said.
"Once that happens, we can begin to ramp him up and then go through his normal spring training progression."
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Senga incurred the injury when he experienced arm fatigue at a throwing session during the spring training.
Kodai Senga's return unknown
The Mets front office cannot give any information yet on when Kodai Senga's return will be. What's sure is he will not make it in the opening-day game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Stearn said it is unknown how long he will be out and that the Japanese will not make a lot of starts this year.
Senga, for his part, remains optimistic after this setback.
"Out of experience, not being at a 100% definitely puts a hamper on my performance," he told reporters through a translator.
"If I was asked can I throw 96, 97, 98 mph? Yeah, I can throw 96, 97, 98. But the game isn't about throwing fast. It's about getting hitters out and I feel like at this point I am not going to be able to perform at the highest level, so giving it a bit of time is the right move."
Who will take over for Senga?
With Senga out, the Mets will look deep into their roster to fill the void he will leave.
Mets' beat writer said he was informed that Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, Jose Butto, and Max Kranick might get a crack on the rotation.
Megill 'Big Drip' did not impress last season. He pitched 126.1 innings with a 4.72 ERA and a 4.97 FIP in 25 starts for the Mets. He had a 113 ERA- and a 115 FIP, both below league average.
Joey Lucchesi had a different story. Coming off a Tommy John surgery, he posted a 2.89 ERA in nine starts. However, it should be noted that it came with a 1.31 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB across 46.2 frames.
Jose Butto is a younger prospect than the two above but still lacks experience. He had his best outing against the Miami Marlins in September by striking out six batters in six innings.
Max Kranick is another player yet to prove himself, having just joined the Mets on January 12. He underwent a Tommy John surgery in 2022 and returned in September 2023 but could not make an appearance at the majors at all.
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