"It's obviously not ideal” - Mets starter Kodai Senga upset over injury, eagerly awaits return

The New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga still hasn’t pitched for his team in the 2024 season. The 2023 All-Star has been dealing with issues since spring training that have prevented his return to the mound.

In February, Senga was diagnosed with a shoulder strain after complaining of shoulder fatigue twice following throwing sessions. During recent batting practice sessions, he experienced tightness in his triceps and had an MRI on Friday.

The 31-year-old was found to have nerve inflammation in his right elbow. On Monday, Kodai Senga expressed his frustration at being unable to return to the mound before the New York Mets' series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers was postponed due to rain.

"It's obviously not ideal, a lot of regretful feelings," Senga said through an interpreter (via AP News).

"I just want to get back out there. I'm here at the stadium. I see all the guys fighting, and it really makes me want to have the urge to go back out there and pitch for the team."

“When your muscles are not moving the way they’re supposed to, then a lot of different things could get inflamed and it happened to be the nerve this time,” he added.

Kodai Senga received a cortisone shot on Friday, with New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza speculating that if he feels better, he could start throwing again by Wednesday.

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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expresses empathy towards Kodai Senga's challenges and eagerness to return to play

Kodai Senga eagerly awaits returning to the mound to help the New York Mets for his second year with the team. Discussing the same, the Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said (0:19):

“Look, I think we’ve got a pretty frustrated player here that he’s not able to contribute to the team. We know how much he wants to be out there and helping the team, and right now, he’s not capable of doing so.”

Senga joined the New York Mets before the 2023 season, signing a five-year, $75 million contract. In his debut season, he recorded a 12-7 win-loss record with a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts.

Senga became an All-Star in his first major league season and was the runner-up in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.