Senga's Injury Woes: Mets' Rotation Uncertainty

0:00It's April 30th. This is New York Metz News Today, AI-powered updates on your team. I'm Corey with the story. Kodai Senka's injury woes with the Metz are piling up again, landing him on the injured list with lower back pain after just five starts this season. The Japanese Ace, signed before 2023, flashes elite stuff in spring training with 98-99 mile per hour. Fast balls and a nasty goes for pull. But nagging issues from calf strains to hamstrings have kept him off the mound more than on it over three years. Earlier this year, he kicked off strong with two solid outings before three rough ones, and he's admitting the back pain dates back to spring. Last season, a hamstring tweak led to a demotion to triple A after a 5.90 ERA in nine starts. In 2024, shoulder and triceps problems delayed him until July, then a calf strain shut him down until the playoffs. This manager Carlos Mendoza has pushed for better communication on injuries, and Senka

1:00says he's frustrated not being able to stay on the field for his team. Through an interpreter, he described the back issue as fluid, waiting on epidural meds to kick in before knowing a timeline. The rotation is wide open behind top guys like Freddie Peralta, Nolan McLean, and Clay Holmes with David Peterson and Christian Scott holding spots. For now, prospects Jonatong, Jack Winninger, and Jonathan Santucci could push for time later, meaning Senka has to prove his health and value. At his peak, Senka's arsenal screams frontline starter, but consistency has been rare. With just one year and $15 million left after this season, and no trade interest last winter, his return speed could shape whether he sticks around or moves on.