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Mets’ Kodai Senga Expected To Begin 2024 Season On Injured List

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 30: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies to end the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on May 30, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga might not be ready for opening day.

The Japanese phenom is expected to begin the 2024 MLB season on the injured reserve list, according to President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. Senga had an MRI for arm fatigue he experienced during a spring training session.

It was revealed Senga had a moderate capsule strain in the back of his right shoulder, which would shut down the star player indefinitely. However, the injury won’t require surgery, and with rest, he should be ready to go not long after the season starts.

“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 said, speaking through an interpreter.

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Senga is expected to be the backbone of the Mets starting rotation this season. In a year where expectations are low for the Mets, an all-star effort from the talented pitcher could help New York overachieve. However, that question will have to be answered at a later date until Senga can come back from injury.

In the meantime, the Mets will now rely more on former Yankees standout Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Tylor Megill to step up in replacement of Senga. The team started spring training in Port St. Lucie last weekend, playing St. Louis and Houston on Saturday and Sunday respectively.