Kodai Senga’s Methodical Spring Return
The New York Mets are taking a cautious approach with their ace pitcher, Kodai Senga, as he makes his return to the mound. After a season marred by shoulder and calf injuries that limited him to just 5.1 innings, Senga is being methodical in his comeback during the Grapefruit League play.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Senga, a right-hander, has been gradually increasing his workload in spring training. Initially restricted to bullpen sessions and live batting practice, he recently pitched two innings in his first outing. Interestingly, he showcased a new pitch, a two-seam fastball, but at a reduced velocity of around 90 miles-per-hour compared to his usual 95 miles-per-hour four-seam fastball.
Despite delivering two scoreless innings on 31 pitches, Senga did not reach the prescribed pitch count for the outing. As a result, he was not permitted to continue into a third inning. Instead, the team directed him to the bullpen to complete the remaining 12 pitches needed to reach his target of approximately 45 pitches.
Senga’s Health a Top Priority
In a post-game interview, Senga expressed satisfaction with the cautious approach taken by the team. Through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara, he mentioned, “Just very pleased that I’m able to get out of it healthy. There were a lot of things that I wanted to try out that I was able to. Just great to be out there.”
The Mets’ decision to slowly build up Senga’s pitch count reflects their commitment to his long-term health and effectiveness. With key starters like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas expected to miss the Opening Day due to injuries, Senga’s durability and performance will be crucial for a Mets team that reached the National League Championship Series last season and recently acquired star free agent Juan Soto.
Learning from the Yankees’ Mistakes
The Mets’ cautious approach stands in stark contrast to their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. The Yankees are facing a significant setback with reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil expected to miss several months due to a high-grade lat strain. His absence is projected to extend for at least three months, underscoring the importance of handling pitchers returning from injury with care and precision.
