After a lengthy stint on the IL, righty Kodai Senga will rejoin the New York Mets for Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field. The team will need substantial production from the former All-Star following a 12-0 shutout loss.
“We’ve been saying that we want to see results. With him it’s not only the result and how he feels after he pitches,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s ready to go. He’s telling us he feels 100%. For him to be very vocal about it is a good sign.”
Kodai Senga Returns
The Japanese product began his fourth season in a rough way in Queens. In five outings, he gave up 26 hits, 21 runs, 20 earned runs, and five home runs. He earned 23 strikeouts, but also tossed 13 walks. He holds a 9.00 ERA and went 0-4.
After the lackluster start, Kodai Senga landed on the injured list with lumbar spine inflammation. He also dealt with ulnar nerve irritation in his right arm.
During his time away, Senga participated in three rehab starts in which he gave up seven earned runs on 14 hits. Mendoza had previously noted that Senga’s velocity dipped in previous outings. However, the Mets believe he is ready to suit up for them again in a pivotal game against the Reds
Options Are Limited
Part of why the Mets are turning to Kodai Senga again is that their options are limited. Clay Holmes is out of action due to a broken fibula. Christian Scott also landed on the IL due to a minor back injury. Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta are their only reliable sources of production.
However, the hope for Senga is that he can return to his former self. In his first season with the Mets, he went 12-7 with 202 strikeouts in 29 starts. He held a 2.98 ERA and a 4.5 WAR, while only giving up 60 runs and 55 earned runs. Injuries derailed his next two seasons, forcing him to miss long stretches of the season. Yet, he can put that behind him in his return game on Tuesday at Citi Field.
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