President of baseball operations David Stearns announced on Thursday that Kodai Senga, the star player for the New York Mets, will likely start the season on the injured list due to a moderate capsule strain in the back of his right shoulder.
Senga felt arm fatigue following a side session during spring training, so he had an MRI.
According to Stearns, Senga will not be used again until his symptoms go away and his shoulder’s strength returns to normal.
“We don’t expect him to be ready for Opening Day, so at this point we would expect him to begin the season on the IL,” Stearns stated.
He went on to say that although he is unsure how long Senga will be out due to injury, surgery is not necessary. Instead, relaxation, medication, and maybe an injection will be used to treat it.
“What I can say at this point comfortably is that we don’t expect Opening Day, but I do expect him to make a bunch of starts this year,” Stearns said.
Speaking through a translator, Senga stated that despite his injury, he can still throw between 96 and 98 mph, adding that “getting hitters out is more important in this game than throwing fast.”
He stated, “At this point, I’m not going to be able to perform at the highest level, so giving it a little bit of time is the right move.”
Senga had a strong rookie season, so New York is counting on him to help anchor its rotation. In the offseason, the Mets also signed left-hander Sean Manaea and right-hander Luis Severino. In December, they traded right-hander Adrian Houser to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Stearns stated that he does not anticipate adding a reliever from outside the team to cover for Senga’s absence.
“It is regretful that I’m not about to be a part of [the rotation] at the beginning of the season, but I think I just have to be positive and look forward to being back out there with the team,” Senga stated.
In December 2022, Senga, 31, agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with New York. He made 29 starts last year and finished 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA.
The Mets, who had a 75-87 record in 2023 and placed fourth in the National League East, are looking to bounce back. Mendoza was recruited in November, and Stearns assumed leadership of baseball operations in September.