Mets ace set to make season debut against Atlanta Braves

The New York Mets and injuries appear to go hand in hand during the 2024 campaign, and it started before spring training even began.

In February, projected rotation ace and 2023 All-Star Kodai Senga suffered a moderate capsular strain in his right shoulder.

It’s been a long road back for Senga, who has suffered numerous setbacks and missed the bullpen, but the 31-year-old appeared to have made his final rehab start Saturday night.

Kodai Senga struggled in his last rehab outing

After dominating his first three rehab starts, allowing just one run and striking out 12, Senga struggled when he took over against the Rochester Red Wings.

The Japan native lasted three innings, allowing eight hits and five runs while recording three walks and one strikeout on 79 pitches.

Despite his poor performance, Senga felt encouraged by the way his body felt.

“The most important thing is that I feel good, my body feels good,” Senga said after the match through a translator. “That’s really important. My fork ball wasn’t really good today. I was trying different things, and they just made me try different things.”

Kodai Senga via SNY

Senga expected to return to rotation against Atlanta Braves

Before the Mets’ morning game against the Miami Marlins, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Saturday’s rehab start may be Senga’s last and that the 31-year-old could make his season debut against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

“Everything is going well so far. Everything is positive,” Mendoza said. “We have to wait and see how today and tomorrow go, and hopefully he will be with us next time. Everything is going in the right direction.”

Kodai Senga via SNY

Senga’s return will provide a significant boost to the blue and orange rotation that has held its ground with their ace. The Japan native has pitched 166.1 innings in 29 starts in 2023, posting a 2.98 ERA, 1.220 WHIP and 202 strikeouts.

No pitchers are expected to lose their spots in the rotation at this time, with the Mets expected to move to a six-man rotation.