Mets Updates: Kodai Senga’s Return Delayed, Impressive Pitching Prospects in Spring Breakout Game
The New York Mets are facing a setback as Kodai Senga’s return to the rotation has been delayed. Senga, who was diagnosed with a moderate right posterior capsule strain in his shoulder in February, was originally expected to return in May. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced that Senga’s shutdown from throwing will last at least another week to 10 days.
Stearns emphasized the importance of being cautious with Senga’s recovery process. Returning too quickly from this type of injury can lead to complications and worsen the pitcher’s performance. The Mets will conduct another MRI on Senga after the next week to 10 days to ensure proper healing and progression.
In the meantime, Tylor Megill is the front-runner to fill in Senga’s rotation spot. Jose Butto has also shown promise this spring, building on his strong performance in 2023. Joey Lucchesi, another depth starter, has been optioned to Triple-A.
The Mets are focused on balancing the development of their younger players with building a competitive team for the 2024 season. Stearns mentioned that the desire to see more of Brett Baty and Mark Vientos has limited their aggressiveness in adding at third base or designated hitter. However, the team remains open to additions that wouldn’t hinder Baty or Vientos from playing.
Stearns acknowledged that opportunities for players like Baty and Vientos need to open up this year but clarified that it may not happen on Opening Day. He expressed confidence in the team’s current options for Opening Day while emphasizing that evaluation of younger players will be an ongoing process.
In their first-ever Spring Breakout game, the Mets showcased their top prospects and emerged victorious with a 4-2 win against the Washington Nationals. The game lasted seven innings, and the Mets’ pitching staff impressed once again. Brandon Sproat, a 2023 draftee, delivered a quick inning with two strikeouts. Nolan McLean, a two-way player, also had a scoreless inning, showcasing his elite spin rates on his slider. Calvin Ziegler, who missed most of last year, struck out two in a perfect seventh inning.
The Mets’ Grapefruit League performance has been characterized by outstanding pitching but disappointing hitting. Their 2.62 spring ERA is nearly a run better than the second-best in baseball, and they have allowed only seven home runs in over 150 innings. However, their .222 spring batting average and 3.3 runs per game rank 29th in baseball.
Stearns emphasized that he doesn’t pay too much attention to spring training results, as they can be misleading. He believes in focusing on the process rather than the end result. The Mets are still evaluating various roles and roster spots as they approach the final two weeks of camp.
Overall, the Mets are navigating the challenges of injuries and player development as they prepare for the upcoming season. With cautious optimism and a focus on the long-term success of their young players, the team is determined to build a competitive team for 2024.