Kodai Senga Injury Update: Mets ace set to face hitters for first time since landing on IL

The New York Mets have been without their ace Kodai Senga since the start of the season. The hard-throwing righty has yet to debut this year after landing on the IL due to a right shoulder capsule sprain.

However, Senga has been working hard to recover and get back out on the mound. He threw a bullpen session on Thursday and is set to take on hitters for the first time since landing on the IL.

Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that Senga would face hitters on Monday. He is nearing his return and will be eligible to come off the injured list on May 27.

The New York Mets rotation has held it down with Kodai Senga sidelined

New York Mets - Kodai Senga (Image via USA Today)

While Kodai Senga has been working on getting healthy, the Mets starting rotation has pitched well. One of the biggest surprises has been Luis Severino, who the team acquired over the offseason.

Severino had a rough 2023 season, which ended in injury. He went from a 6.65 ERA with the New York Yankees last year to a 2.67 ERA this season, leading the starting rotation.

Another pitcher who has stepped up has been Sean Manaea. Last season with the San Francisco Giants, he started 37 games, compiling a 7-6 record with a 4.44 ERA. This season, he has a 3.33 ERA and leads the team with 27 strikeouts.

These two arms have been why the club ranks ninth in the league in terms of ERA with a 3.53 ERA. Those numbers could drop with the emergence of Senga.

Senga appeared in 29 games in his first season in the big leagues, commanding a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA. The Amazins could turn the page with him back in the rotation.