The New York Mets continued their strong run with the return of ace Kodai Senga and the fans at Citi Field went wild on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves.
But Senga’s return didn’t appear to last long, as manager Carlos Mendoza said a high calf sprain he suffered in the top of the sixth inning likely would keep him out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Senga tried to avoid an infield popup, but felt immediate pain on his first step and grabbed his left calf.
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New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York City on July 26, 2024. The Mets defeated the Braves, 8-4. (Jim MacIsaac/Getty Images)
Mendoza said Senga has been placed on the 15-day injured list, adding that it’s “safe to say” he won’t be back for the regular season.
Senga was not ruled out for the postseason.
“If we see him pitch, then we’re in a good position,” Mendoza said, via ESPN. “It’s hard to put a timeline on here, especially with the calf injury. It’s hard. So it could be eight to 10 weeks before he’s a major league pitcher.” [stretched out to] 85 pitches. So it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen.”
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The injury occurred during the 31-year-old right-hander’s first start of the season. Senga had been suffering from a posterior capsule injury in his right shoulder, which caused him to miss the entire first half of the season.
Senga was in good form before his injury, his fastball reaching 98 mph and his trademark forkball having a distinctive late break that deceived Atlanta hitters.
Senga finished with two earned runs on two hits and one walk, striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings. The Mets won 8-4, thanks in large part to a seven-run third inning off Braves starter Charlie Morton, which included three home runs.
Mendoza said Senga’s loss was a “big blow” to the team, but the Mets bounced back from a slow first half and then rallied to make the playoffs.
New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) sits on the field and is evaluated by team staff after suffering an injury in the sixth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 26, 2024 in New York City. (Jim MacIsaac/Getty Images)
With Senga sidelined, will owner Steve Cohen push to add a starting pitcher to the rotation before MLB’s trade deadline on July 30?
The Mets need to bolster their bullpen, which has posted the league’s best ERA since May 1. Ryne Stanek, recently acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, returned Saturday, and Tyler Megill was promoted from Triple-A and is expected to take Senga’s place in the rotation.
For now, Mendoza will have to rely on Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea, Luis Severino and David Peterson to get the job done in the starting rotation.
New York Mets player Kodai Senga reacts after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 26, 2024 in New York City. (Jim MacIsaac/Getty Images)
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It would also be a positive if the Mets’ offense, which has gained momentum during this winning streak, can maintain its consistent performance heading into October.
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