Kodai Senga Injury News & Updates

Senga came away with a no-decision in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Marlins, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings in a 4-2 loss for the Mets. He struck out eight.

The runs scored on solo shots by Jon Berti and Jesus Sanchez, but Senga was otherwise fairly dominant as he generated 30 called or swinging strikes among his 96 pitches. The 30-year-old right-hander wraps up his first MLB campaign with a 2.98 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 202:77 K:BB through 166.1 innings, and barring the Mets making a big offseason splash once again, Senga figures to head into 2024 as the team's ace.

Senga (12-7) earned the win over Miami on Wednesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three batters over six innings.

Senga's three punchouts were his fewest in nearly two months, but that didn't prevent him from picking up his second straight victory and eighth consecutive quality start. The Japanese hurler has been dominant during the latter stretch, posting a 2.31 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 58:19 K:BB over 50.2 frames while going 5-1. Senga continues to hand out plenty of free passes -- he's issued multiple walks in 10 straight outings, and his 4.1 BB/9 on the season is fifth-highest among qualified starters -- but he's proven to be a wise offseason signing by the Mets and is increasing his draft stock in fantasy next season with his late-season excellence.

Senga (11-7) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and two walks over six scoreless innings in a 11-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. He struck out 10.

Senga was masterful Thursday, surrendering just two hits - a pair of singles - and retiring 13 consecutive Diamondbacks in the interim. The 30-year-old first-year pitcher tallied his fifth double-digit strikeout effort of the campaign and his third in four starts. Senga has limited opponents to three or fewer earned runs in 14-straight outings dating back to June 23, earning nine quality starts with a 2.46 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 104:31 K:BB across 84 innings during the impressive stretch. He will look to keep the momentum in his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled for early next week in Miami.

Senga yielded two runs on four hits and four walks over six innings in Friday's loss to the Twins. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

It was a fairly lackluster performance for Senga based on what he's been doing lately. While he turned in his 13th straight start with three or fewer earned runs allowed, he also walked four batters for the first time since June 10. Senga has registered a 2.65 ERA during that 13-game run, bringing his season mark down to 3.07. He's in line for a home matchup against Arizona next week.

Senga came away with a no-decision Friday in the Mets' 2-1 win over the Mariners, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out 12.

The 12 Ks tied his season high, matching his performances from July 5 against Arizona and May 17 against Tampa Bay. Senga has delivered five straight quality starts and missed making it seven straight by one out, and since the All-Star break he's posted a 2.68 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 63:19 K:BB through 53.2 innings. New York is keeping a close eye on the 30-year-old's workload in his first MLB campaign, but by all appearances Senga is getting stronger down the stretch. He lines up to make his next start in Minnesota next weekend, potentially in a matchup with countryman Kenta Maeda.

Senga is expected to make five more starts this season as the Mets keep an eye on his workload, Tim Britton and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.

New York plays 17 straight days to begin September, so the team will shift to a six-man rotation for the first half of the month -- making it easier to manage Senga's innings in his first North American campaign. He threw 162 innings in his final campaign for Fukuoka in the NPB, and is currently at 136.1 innings in 2023, along with a 3.17 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and strong 28.5 percent strikeout rate against an 11.1 percent walk rate. Senga is expected to make the first of those September starts Friday, at home against the Mariners.

Senga (10-7) took the loss Friday, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks over 6.2 innings as the Mets fell 3-1 to the Angels. He struck out 10.

It's the third time this season Senga's fanned double-digit batters as he generated a whopping 21 swinging strikes among his 105 pitches, but he got little help from his offense and saw his three-start win streak snapped. The 30-year-old rookie did extend his quality start streak to four however, and since the All-Star break he's posted a 2.89 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 51:17 K:BB through 46.2 innings. He's next set to take the mound at home next week against the Rangers.

Senga (10-6) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over seven innings against St. Louis. He struck out five.

Senga picked up his third straight win Saturday, dealing seven frames of two-hit baseball. The outing marked his 10th consecutive appearance allowing three or fewer runs, a stretch in which Senga owns a 2.78 ERA, a 67:20 K:BB and 0.5 HR/9 across 58.1 innings. The 30-year-old will look to continue his strong rookie campaign in his next projected start, which is tentatively scheduled to come against the Angels next week.

Senga (9-6) yielded three runs on four hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win against Atlanta.

Senga coughed up a three-run double to Marcell Ozuna in the first inning but settled in for five scoreless frames after. Senga has allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine consecutive starts, registering a 2.98 ERA during that stretch. He's sporting a 3.30 ERA with a 149:59 K:BB through 122.2 frames this season. Senga's next outing is lined up to be in St. Louis.

Senga (8-6) earned the win over the Cubs on Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six batters over six innings.

The Mets jumped ahead 3-0 after one frame, and Senga kept Chicago in check to record his first win since July 5. The right-hander didn't allow any extra-base hits and threw 57 of 85 pitches for strikes in a relatively efficient effort. The quality start was Senga's fourth over his past six contests, a span in which he's posted a 2.57 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 41:11 K:BB over 35 innings. With the Mets having traded both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, Senga has become the team's de facto ace.

Senga (7-6) allowed three runs on 11 hits and two walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday versus the Royals.

Senga threw 62 of 99 pitches for strikes, but the Royals were able to make consistent contact. Nine of their 11 hits against Senga were singles, but that was enough traffic to stick him with the loss when the Mets' offense couldn't generate a run. The right-hander is now at a 3.25 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 136:55 K:BB through 110.2 innings over 20 starts this season. He's projected for a home start versus the Cubs next week.

Senga pitched six innings in a no-decision against Washington on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out five batters.

Senga rattled off five scoreless frames before the Nationals broke a scoreless tie with a run in the sixth. That was enough to put the right-hander in line for the loss upon his departure, but the Mets rallied for two late runs to take him off the hook. Senga finished a strong July with a 1.93 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB over 23.1 innings covering four starts, though he had only one win to show for it.

Senga allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out nine batters over six innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Senga surrendered a solo homer to Mookie Betts in the third inning but otherwise kept the Dodgers off the scoreboard. He didn't get much run support, however, and had to settle for a no-decision despite notching his second straight quality start. Senga has looked great in those two outings, allowing just two runs and posting a 21:3 K:BB over 14 frames. The right-hander has struggled with walks at times this season but has otherwise adjusted to MLB quite well, posting a 3.20 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 95.2 innings. He ranks seventh in the National League with 122 punchouts.

Senga (7-5) allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out 12 over eight innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Diamondbacks.

Senga nearly came up empty in his longest start of the year, but the Mets pulled ahead in the top of the ninth inning. It's the second time he's recorded double-digit strikeouts this season, and the seventh time he's limited an opponent to one run or less. The 30-year-old is at a 3.31 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 113:47 K:BB through 89.2 innings on the year.

Senga didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Brewers, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out eight.

The right-hander fired only 59 of 102 pitches for strikes but was effectively wild, generating 31 called or swinging strikes before exiting with the score tied 2-2. Senga has a 3.23 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 69:28 K:BB through 55.2 innings since the beginning of May but only a 3-4 record to show for it as the Mets continue to struggle. He'll try to get back in the win column in his next start, likely to come early next week in Arizona.

Senga (6-5) took the loss Friday as the Mets fell 5-1 to the Phillies, giving up four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

An error by Brandon Nimmo on the first ball in play the right-hander gave up led to a two-run first inning, and the New York offense never climbed out of the hole. Senga tossed 62 of 102 pitches before exiting, and his transition to North American ball continues to pick up steam -- over his last seven starts, he's posted a 2.95 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 50:21 K:BB through 39.2 innings. Senga is next set to take the mound at home next week against the Brewers.

Senga (6-4) took the loss Saturday as the Mets were downed 5-3 by the Cardinals, giving up four runs on five hits and a walk over 6.2 innings. He struck out eight.

The 30-year-old righty got taken deep by Paul Goldschmidt in the second inning and Jordan Walker in the third, but Senga regained his focus and shut St. Louis down for the next three-plus frames, although his offense couldn't take advantage. The Mets are making an effort to give Senga extra rest between starts as he adjusts to an MLB schedule -- he hadn't pitched since June 10 -- but he still continues to alternate strong outings with mediocre ones. Despite that pattern, his overall results have been good. Since the beginning of May, Senga sports a 3.18 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 55:23 K:BB through 45.1 innings.

Senga (6-3) picked up the win in Saturday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates, allowing one unearned run on two hits and four walks over seven innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander continues to have trouble getting the ball over the plate -- he's issued at least three walks in 10 of his first 12 MLB starts -- but Senga has been mostly successful lately in making sure the free passes don't come back to bite him. Since the beginning of May, he's posted a 2.79 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 47:22 K:BB while serving up only two homers in 38.2 innings. He's next set to take the mound at home next weekend against the Cardinals.

Senga did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and five walks over 2.2 innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out three.

It took Senga 68 pitches to record just eight outs Sunday. The Japanese right-hander has issued four or more walks in six of his last eight starts in an inconsistent rookie campaign. Senga's 5-3 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 73:36 K:BB through 11 starts (57.2 innings) this season.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said Senga might pitch on four days of rest Sunday versus the Blue Jays, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Four days of rest is the normal schedule for most major-league starters, but Senga so far has been getting five days off between outings like he did in Japan. Showalter said the team will do some testing with the 30-year-old right-hander later this week to gauge his readiness. Sunday's game is at Citi Field, where Senga has flourished to a 1.20 ERA in five starts covering 30 innings. He carries a 6.12 ERA through five starts (25 innings) on the road. If he's held out until the following series, his next turn would be Tuesday at Atlanta.

Senga (5-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Phillies, allowing only one hit over seven scoreless innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter.

A Kody Clemens single in the third inning was the only blemish on Senga's line as the 30-year-old rookie delivered his best performance yet since coming to North America. The right-hander has four quality starts so far in 2023, and all four have come at Citi Field. He'll take a 3.44 ERA and 70:31 K:BB through 55 innings into his next outing, likely to come at home again this weekend against the Blue Jays.

Senga (4-3) took the loss against the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits and five walks while striking out six batters over five innings.

Senga pitched on six days of rest, as this start was pushed from Tuesday to Wednesday. The right-hander began with two scoreless frames before surrendering a trio of runs on a walk and three hits -- including two doubles -- in the third. Senga was able to bounce back with two more scoreless innings, but he racked up 106 pitches by the end of the fifth and didn't go any further. The relatively short outing was largely due to his troubles finding the zone -- he threw 41 balls and walked a season-high five batters. Free passes have been the biggest concern for the Japanese hurler this season, as he's issued at least three walks in all but one of his nine starts. Senga has somewhat minimized the damage from the control issues with an excellent 11.4 K/9, but he's completed six innings only three times and sports an uninspiring 1.52 WHIP.

Senga's next start has been pushed from Tuesday to Wednesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The idea here is to prevent Senga from having to pitch on normal rest Sunday at Coors Field. He's been getting extra rest between every start this season as he acclimates from the scheduling norms over in Nippon Professional Baseball. There are no injury concerns with the 30-year-old right-hander, who racked up a career-high 12 strikeouts across six innings of one-run ball last week against the Rays.

Senga allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out 12 batters over six innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Senga bounced back nicely after a poor start his previous time out, inducing 18 swings-and-misses against the Rays and establishing a season-high mark with 12 strikeouts. The Japanese hurler yielded just one run, but the Mets were shut out until the seventh, preventing him from picking up his fifth win. Senga has adapted pretty well to pitching in MLB, posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 55:26 K:BB through 43 innings.

Senga (4-2) took the loss against Cincinnati on Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over five innings.

That Senga was able to give the Mets five frames may be considered a small moral victory after he was tagged for five hits and four runs in the first inning. The right-hander settled in from there and yielded just one more run, but New York's offense couldn't push anything across the plate in the shutout loss. Both the five runs and eights hits were season-worst marks for Senga, who was coming off six scoreless innings against Colorado in his previous start. His season ERA now sits at 4.14, and he's posted a 43:23 K:BB over 37 frames.

Senga (4-1) allowed two hits and four walks over six scoreless frames Friday, striking out four and earning a win over the Rockies.

All four of Senga's walks came during the first three frames before later allowing a pair of singles. He didn't face much danger and he found his way back in the win column after taking his first career loss in his last start. Senga dropped his ERA to 3.38 with a 36:22 K:BB through 32 frames. He forced 11 whiffs, marking the fourth time he's gotten double-digit swinging strikes through his first six starts. Senga is currently lined up to start in Cincinnati next week.

Senga's next scheduled start will be Friday against the Rockies, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Senga last pitched on April 26, so he will be starting on eight days' rest. The right-hander has 32 strikeouts over his first 26 major-league innings but has battled control issues with 18 walks. Senga hasn't gone beyond five innings in any of his last three outings.

Senga (3-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks over five innings against the Nationals. He struck out seven.

Both of Senga's allowed runs came in the second inning as Lane Thomas and CJ Abrams each hit singles that drove in a run. Though he only gave up two runs in the start, Senga's command issues persisted as he walked four batters for the third straight start. The 30-year-old has been disappointing to start the season after inking a five-year deal with the Mets this offseason, averaging a modest 4.15 ERA to pair with a 6.23 BB/9 and a 0.56 HR/9.

Mets manager Buck Showalter announced Friday that Senga will make his next start Wednesday against the Nationals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Senga was originally scheduled to start Tuesday against the Nationals in Citi Field, but he'll get an extra day of rest. The Mets will need to make a decision for who will start Tuesday against Washington, and it could very well be Jose Butto that gets the ball for that outing.

Senga (3-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits over five innings against the Giants. He struck out four and walked four.

While this was hardly a dominant start, Senga pitched well enough to take advantage of the Mets' lively offense last night. The right-hander now has a 4.29 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through the first four starts of his career. The former three-time Nippon Professional Baseball (Japanese league) All-Star is tentatively slated to face the Nationals at home in his next appearance.

Senga did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against Oakland. He struck out seven.

Senga had his first shaky start in the big leagues after allowing just two earned runs in his first 11.1 innings pitched. The Japanese international was lucky to avoid the loss in this one, as the Mets were able to tack on 17 runs. On the bright side, the rookie has recorded 21 strikeouts so far this year, good for 40th in the league. If Senga can keep using his forkball to force swings and misses, he could have a bright future in the MLB.

Senga (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over six innings in a 5-2 victory over the Marlins. He struck out six.

Senga fired five shutout frames before allowing a solo homer to Jazz Chisholm in the sixth. It's another strong outing for the 30-year-old rookie as it lowers his ERA to 1.59 with 14 strikeouts over 11.1 innings of work against six walks. Senga needs to do a better job of limiting the self-inflicted damage, but it's readily apparent he has the stuff to be a strong fantasy option for the remainder of 2023.

Senga (1-0) had eight strikeouts and earned the win Sunday in Miami, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over 5.1 innings.

Senga struggled with free passes and threw just 53 of his 88 pitches for strikes, but he rebounded well after giving up a run on two hits and two walks during the opening frame. The 30-year-old righty lines up for another matchup with the Marlins next weekend.

Senga allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks while striking out five across three innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Senga was scratched from a start Saturday due to tendinitis in his right index finger, though he looked sharp in his return to the mound. He's now thrown five innings during the exhibition season, and he's allowed two earned runs while striking out seven and walking two. Assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks, Senga should be ready to start the season for the Mets.

Senga (finger) threw a bullpen session without issue Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga is nursing some right index finger tendinitis but appears to be turning the corner in his recovery. It's not clear when he might be ready to return to Grapefruit League action, but the Mets anticipate their big offseason signing to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Senga (finger) threw off flat ground from about 90 feet Monday morning, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga remains inactive as he nurses tendinitis at the base of his right index finger, but Monday's throwing session is a step in the right direction for the right-hander. Senga is confident that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day, but only time will tell. The Mets will certainly be cautious with their potential star and the 30-year-old will likely have many more throwing sessions ahead of the regular season.

Senga (finger) told reporters Sunday that he expects to be ready for his first start of the season, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Senga was diagnosed with tendinitis at the base of his right index finger, and told reporters that he attributes it to adjusting to the different baseball thrown in the majors. The right-hander was scratched from his start Saturday, but he emphasized that was precautionary, and he could have worked through the pain if it was a regular season outing. Fantasy managers considering Senga will want to pay attention to further developments, but it does seem likely that he'll be ready to go for the 2023 campaign.

Senga is day-to-day after being diagnosed Saturday with tendinitis at the base of his index finger.

Senga was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday in the Grapefruit League, but the Mets called his scratch precautionary. The right-hander will likely need a few days of rest and may miss his next scheduled start, but barring a setback he should be ready for the start of the regular season.

Mets manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Senga's scratch due to soreness in his right index finger Saturday was precautionary, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Showalter went as far as to say that if this was a regular season game, Senga would have pitched. The right-hander will likely be given a few days of rest to make sure it doesn't become a recurring issue, but assuming no setbacks, there's a good chance this won't be an injury that carries over into the regular season.

Senga was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against Washington due to soreness in his right index finger, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

This may turn out to be nothing more than an abundance of caution given that Opening Day is still nearly three weeks away, but the Mets are at least worried enough to send Senga for tests. Whether or not a trip to the injured list is on the cards should become clear once the results of those tests are known. The Mets already have one injury concern in their rotation, with Jose Quintana dealing with a stress fracture in his rib, so there could be a path for both David Peterson (foot) and Tylor Megill to open the year in the rotation.

Senga gave up one run on one hit and two walks over two innings while striking out two in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The nerves showed for the Japanese import during his first game action in a Mets uniform as he walked the first two batters he faced, but Senga quickly settled in and retired Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Jordan Walker in order to escape the first-inning jam -- striking out the latter on his fabled "ghost" forkball. The 30-year-old righty will fill a mid-rotation role this season as the projected youngest member of New York's Opening Day rotation, working behind perennial Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Senga threw 30 pitches in a B-game against Mets hitters Tuesday and came away feeling good about his command, Abbey Mastracco of The New York Daily News reports.

The Japanese right-hander is on schedule to make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday after signing a five-year, $75 million contract with the Mets this offseason. Senga had some adjustments to make to an MLB-sized ball and steeper mounds on this side of the Pacific, but he doesn't think either will be an issue by Opening Day. "For the slider and the cutter, I've looked at the metrics, the numbers and the movement," Senga said Tuesday through a translator. "I've set goals for myself and through these live BPs I think I've been able to reach my goals, so I'm not worried about the mound." If he looks sharp this spring, Senga's ADP could rise rapidly.

Senga is set to make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Senga had some issues adjusting to the larger MLB ball and stepper MLB mound in the early part of Mets camp, but he has apparently looked much sharper in recent live workouts. Now his stuff will be on full display in probably a two-inning outing Sunday afternoon against the Cardinals. The 30-year-old Japanese right-hander inked a five-year, $75 million contract with New York in December after registering a 1.94 ERA in 144 innings last season with the Softbank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Senga displayed noticeably better command in his latest bullpen session Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

And his fastball also got up to 98 mph. Senga has had a bit of a tough time adjusting to the larger MLB ball and steeper MLB mound, but DiComo writes that "the Mets aren't worried." They signed him to a five-year, $75 million contract out of Japan over the offseason and will likely deploy him as a mid-rotation starter in his debut big-league campaign.

Senga won't pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in order to continue his adjustment to MLB, Abbey Mastracco of The New York Daily News reports.

Both the ball and the mound in MLB are different than the ones used in NPB, and the 30-year-old right-hander preferred to stay in Florida and get ready for his Mets debut rather than fly back to Japan to participate in the tournament's opening round. After signing a five-year, $75 million contract in the offseason, Senga is expected to fill a mid-rotation role for the Mets behind Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Senga had an "iffy medical" before Mets doctors signed off on his five-year, $75 million contract, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports.

Heyman didn't offer any more specifics on the nature of Senga's injury but added that it's common for Japanese pitchers to show "more wear and tear" on their arms because they usually handle heavier workloads at younger ages. He also writes that people with the Mets "express confidence" Senga will be healthy in 2023. This doesn't sound like something to be overly worried about when considering Senga in fantasy leagues, but it should be filed away in the back of your mind.