Kodai Senga Eyes Healthy Comeback to Lead Mets’ Rotation in 2024 #1
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As the New York Mets prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes are on Kodai Senga, the talented right-hander who is determined to return to full health and reclaim his role as the team’s ace. Senga, who battled injuries throughout the 2023 season, expressed confidence in his physical condition during a media session on https://www.storenymets.com/collections/yoenis-cespedes-jersey Tuesday, emphasizing his readiness to pitch deep into the year and help the Mets make a postseason push.
“This year, I expect to be healthy and pitch a lot of innings so we can go deep into the postseason,” Senga said through an interpreter. The 31-year-old pitcher, now entering his third season with the Mets, has been a key figure in the team’s rotation when healthy. In his debut MLB season in 2023, Senga made 29 starts, logging 166 1/3 innings and showcasing his elite “ghost fork” splitter, which has baffled hitters to the tune of a .112 batting average since his arrival.
However, Senga’s 2024 campaign was derailed by a right posterior shoulder capsule strain suffered in Spring Training, followed by a left calf strain that sidelined him for most of the regular season. Despite a brief playoff appearance, Senga’s year was marked by frustration and setbacks. It wasn’t until early January that he felt fully recovered, describing his offseason as a mix of rehab and https://www.storenymets.com/collections/mark-vientos-jersey normal preparation.
The Mets are taking no chances with Senga’s health this year. Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and several team trainers traveled to Japan during the offseason to work closely with Senga, ensuring alignment on his conditioning and recovery plans. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of clear communication and a collaborative approach to keeping Senga on the mound.
“It’s a two-way street here, and we will keep it that way,” Mendoza said. “A healthy Senga could be special. You saw it in 2023, and I saw glimpses of it last year. It means a lot to this team.”
To support Senga’s workload, the Mets plan to utilize a six-man rotation, providing him with extra rest between starts. This strategy mirrors the once-per-week schedule Senga followed in Japan and aligns with the team’s commitment to maximizing his effectiveness. With a deep rotation that includes Sean Manaea and other reliable arms, the Mets are optimistic about their pitching staff’s potential.
Senga’s return to form is critical for the Mets, who lack a clear No. 1 starter but see Senga as a pitcher capable of filling that role. His combination of a high-90s fastball and devastating splitter makes him a formidable https://www.storenymets.com/collections/luis-de-los-santos-jersey presence on the mound. As the Mets aim to compete in a tough NL East, a healthy Senga could be the difference-maker they need.
Fans can look forward to seeing Senga back in action this spring, as he works to regain his 2023 form and lead the Mets toward a playoff berth. Stay tuned for updates as the Mets gear up for what promises to be an exciting season!