Senga's Spring Surge: Mets' Rotation Hope

0:00For the New York Mets, it's March 20th, here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The New York Mets missed the playoffs last year after a week finish to the 2025 season with their starting pitchers ranking 18th. In the majors and earn run average at 4.13 overall and a dismal 27th after the All-Star break. To fix that, for 2026, they've traded for former Milwaukee Brewers Ace Freddie Peralta and plan to use promising Nolan McLean in the rotation from day 1. A big wild card now is right-hander Kodai Senga showing signs of his 2023 All-Star form during spring training. Senga just delivered another strong outing on Thursday, tossing four scoreless innings against the Houston Ashrows and a 6-to-2 win, striking out. Four while giving up three hits and a walk. That lowered his spring-earned run average to 1.86 over three starts with 11 strikeouts in nine and two-thirds innings total.

1:00Opponents are hitting just 0.176 against him so far. Mets fans are buzzing about his velocity returning as he's touching the high 90s on his four-seam fastball, including 97.3. Miles per hour last time out. Manager Carlos Mendoza has noted the improved speed, aggressiveness and movement, calling it a positive shift from last year. Senga's career with the Mets has been up and down since signing a five-year, $75 million deal before his age 33 season. He dominated in 2023 with a 2.98 earned run average, but injuries wiped out 2024 and derailed a hot start. In 2025, after a hamstring strain in June. With his mechanics clicking and health in check, Senga is positioning himself for a rotation spot as the Mets gear up with potentially six starters too. Open the year.