The Tampa Bay Rays swept the New York Mets this weekend. Earlier this week, the Mets lost Kodai Senga to a hamstring strain against the Washington Nationals. He went on the injured list, and his return is not close.
According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, Senga will be out for over a month. The Mets have just a 2 1/2 game lead on the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.
"According to those in the know, staff ace Kodai Senga, the National League ERA leader, is expected out a minimum five weeks after suffering a hamstring injury," wrote Heyman. "That he only suffered a Grade 1 (low grade) strain is considered the positive news of the week that got away from them."
The Mets do have the best ERA in the league from their starters at 2.93. However, Senga was leading the league in ERA before his injury. Clay Holmes, Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill will need to continue their terrific seasons in Senga's absence. However, they could be getting more help soon.
Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are working their way back from spring injuries and could give the Mets a huge boost. Senga, who pitched in just one game last season, was looking like he could be in the Cy Young Award race when the season ends. However, with Montas and Manaea returning, there will be no rush to get Senga back as the Mets can allow him to heal properly and make a run in October.
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Senga signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Mets before the 2023 season. He made 29 starts with a 2.98 ERA in his first year. He was having a bounce-back season after injuries last year. He had a 1.47 ERA with 70 strikeouts in his 13 starts. However, with at least five weeks between major league starts from their ace, the Mets will need to try to hold off the Phillies. They have pieces in the rotation to continue dominating.
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