Following a lengthy absence during spring training, the New York Mets have announced that their star pitcher, Kodai Senga, is scheduled to recommence throwing activities next week. Despite this positive development, he is expected to remain absent for a considerable period, which is a concern for New York, given their fourth-place finish in the National League East last season.
According to Carlos Mendoza, Kodai Senga is scheduled to resume throwing within the next week. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and following clearance from doctors, he’s been given the green light to start physical activity.
Mendoza stated that the Mets will wait until Senga passes their internal strength assessments to ensure he’s fully prepared before proceeding with throwing.
Despite this positive development, Dan Healey later mentioned that Senga will require a minimum of a six-week period to ramp up, suggesting we may not see him until mid-May or potentially June.
This setback is particularly disappointing for the Mets, especially considering their transitional phase this season. However, if they were aiming for contention, Senga’s performance would have been instrumental.
Senga joined the Mets last season after a successful career in Japan, making an immediate impact. The 31-year-old pitcher started 29 games, earning an All-Star selection in the National League. He finished with a 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA, placing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in the Cy Young race.
In Senga’s absence, the Mets will turn to veteran left-hander Jose Quintana to start on Opening Day.
It’s worth noting that Senga is not the only pitcher starting the season on the sidelines. Kyle Bradish and John Means of the Orioles, along with Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Alek Manoah, will also begin the year on the injured list.
