Kodai Senga aims for Mets return as reliever by September 25

Kodai Senga is aiming to return to the New York Mets after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the first 102 games of the season. He made a brief appearance on July 26, striking out nine batters in 5 1/3 innings, but suffered a left calf strain shortly after. Following this setback, he was placed on the 15-day injured list and later transferred to the 60-day IL. Senga is eligible to return on September 25, coinciding with the final stretch of the regular season. As the Mets are in a tight race for the last NL wild card spot, Senga expressed his desire to contribute to the team’s playoff aspirations. He has indicated a willingness to pitch in a relief role, acknowledging that he may not be prepared for a full starter's workload upon his return. This flexibility could be crucial for the Mets as they navigate the final games of the season against the Braves and Brewers. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has shown support for Senga's potential return, stating that the team is open to utilizing him in any capacity as long as he is healthy. Senga's previous performance last season, where he finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting, adds to the anticipation surrounding his comeback. The Mets are currently one game behind Atlanta, making Senga's return even more significant. In addition to Senga's situation, the Mets are also managing other injuries within their pitching staff, including rookie Christian Scott, who has been out since July 21. The team is making adjustments, including recalling outfielder DJ Stewart from Triple-A Syracuse, as they prepare for the final games of the season.