Kodai Senga’s Minor League Mastery Sparks Optimism for Mets’ Patient Approach
The return of Kodai Senga has not gone as smoothly as the New York Mets had hoped. After a stint on the injured list due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the 32-year-old pitcher faced a harsh reality check upon his return. Over his last eight major league starts, Senga’s struggles were evident, culminating in a troubling 6.56 ERA. Recognizing the need for a reset, the Mets opted to send him down to the minor leagues—a decision aimed at restoring the form that once made him a Cy Young Award candidate.
Dominance in the Minors
Senga’s first minor league appearance on Friday showcased a glimmer of hope for both the pitcher and the Mets. Taking the mound in Triple-A, he delivered a masterclass performance, allowing just three hits and one earned run over six innings while racking up eight strikeouts. This dominant showing underscored Senga’s potential to reclaim his spot in the rotation, but the Mets are committed to a cautious approach.
Patience is Key for the Mets
Despite Senga’s impressive outing, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of patience in the pitcher’s journey back to the majors. Prior to the Mets’ attempt to end a seven-game losing streak against the Texas Rangers, Mendoza confirmed that Senga will not be rushing back to the big leagues. Instead, he will make another start in the minors, which is a requirement as he must remain there for at least 15 days.
“He’s going to make another one,” Mendoza stated. “He’s got to be down there for 15 days anyway. We’ll see how he responds in the next few days. It’s about continuing to work on his mechanics, but the plan for him is to make another one.”
Looking Ahead
As Senga continues his path in the minors, the Mets remain hopeful that this strategic decision will pave the way for his return to form. The organization understands that restoring a pitcher’s confidence and mechanical precision is crucial, especially for someone with Senga’s talent. The journey may be slow, but with each step, there’s a sense of optimism that the formidable pitcher they once knew will soon re-emerge.
