The New York Mets were buzzing with excitement as ace pitcher Kodai Senga made his return to the mound against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. However, Senga’s comeback was short-lived as he suffered a high calf sprain in the top of the sixth inning, likely ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024 season. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that Senga was placed on the 15-day IL and may not return for the regular season, although he could potentially make a comeback for the postseason if the Mets progress that far. Mendoza highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Senga’s recovery timeline, as calf injuries can be tricky and may require several weeks before he is fit to pitch at the major league level again.
Senga’s injury occurred during his first start of the season after he had been sidelined with a right posterior shoulder capsule strain during the first half of the year. Despite the setback, Senga showed promising form on the mound, with his fastball reaching 98 mph and his signature forkball baffling Braves hitters. In his final line, Senga allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out nine batters over 5⅓ innings. The Mets ultimately triumphed with an 8-4 victory, powered by a seven-run third inning that featured three home runs off Braves pitcher Charlie Morton. While Mendoza acknowledged the loss of Senga as a significant blow, he commended the team’s resilience and turnaround from their slow start earlier in the season.
With Senga out of commission, speculation arises as to whether Mets owner Steve Cohen will pursue a starting pitcher before the MLB trade deadline on July 30. The team is also in need of bullpen reinforcements, as they currently possess the highest ERA in the league since May 1. Recent acquisitions include Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners, who was activated following Senga’s injury, and the promotion of Tylor Megill from Triple-A to potentially fill Senga’s spot in the rotation. In the meantime, Mendoza will look to Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and David Peterson to step up in the starting rotation and maintain their playoff position.
The Mets’ success moving forward will heavily rely on their offense, which has been firing on all cylinders during their recent winning streak. Consistency at the plate will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position for the postseason. Fans can stay updated on the latest sports coverage from Fox News Digital and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for more updates on the Mets and other sporting news. The team faces challenges ahead in overcoming the loss of Senga and addressing their pitching needs, but their resilience and recent form suggest that they are capable of making a strong push for the playoffs and beyond.
