The New York Mets have just 10 days left to secure their postseason spot. Currently holding a 2.0-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the final NL Wild Card slot, the Mets are in a strong position.
Their second half of the season has been impressive, particularly highlighted by Francisco Lindor’s emerging MVP candidacy.
Earlier this season, many doubted the Mets, with the front office suggesting a focus on 2025 for their return to competitiveness. However, the situation has changed dramatically, and the Mets now look capable of making a significant impact. Beyond Lindor, the entire offense has surged, and their pitching staff ranks among the best in the National League.
Sean Manea has become a key player on the mound, and Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and David Peterson have also made significant contributions.
Remarkably, the Mets are pushing for the postseason without their ace, Kodai Senga, who has played only one game this year due to various injuries.
Senga was sidelined by a shoulder capsule strain until late July, and upon his return, he suffered a high-grade calf strain that many feared would end his season. He’s eligible to come off the injured list on September 25, just before the season concludes. The Mets won’t rush him back but there’s a chance he could return before the playoffs.
“What day I come off (the IL) is not up to (me),” Senga stated through his translator. “I’m just preparing myself to be out there and to be able to contribute… I need to be at 100 percent to contribute, and I don’t want to come back at anything less than 100 percent.”
Senga’s mindset is spot on. The Mets’ pitching has been solid enough to alleviate the pressure. Their postseason prospects don’t solely depend on Senga’s return, as they are managing well without him.
However, his next statement is sure to energize Mets fans: “I’ve been working my tail off and devoting all my time towards this… I need to make this work.”
Senga is committed to his recovery and views success as essential. The Mets will only put him on the mound when he’s fully ready; risking his health is not worth it. Given his limited ramp-up time, performing well after a lengthy injury layoff in the final week is challenging.
If the Mets can get even 80 or 90 percent of Senga’s usual performance for the postseason, it would be a significant advantage. While he may not pitch deep into games, even a few strong innings during critical playoff moments would exceed expectations.
This marks just Senga’s second MLB season. As a rookie, he impressed with a 2.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 29 starts, recording 202 strikeouts in 166.1 innings.
At full strength, Senga could greatly impact the Mets’ rotation. Now, it remains to be seen how close he can get to full strength before the season—and hopefully the postseason—wraps up.
