Mets 2024 Season Already Off To Great Start With Major Injury

The New York Mets were one of baseball's most disappointing teams in 2023, and they're already looking to start 2024 in much the same way. 

After trading both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer last season, the Mets expected Kodai Senga to anchor the top of their rotation. Well just a week into spring training, those plans will have to be put on hold.

Senga has a "moderate right posterior capsule strain" in his shoulder, according to a report from Anthony DiComo. Even though Opening Day for the Mets is more than a month away, the team already expects Senga to start the season on the injured list.

Great start!

Port St. Lucie, Fla. - New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga warms-up during workouts at spring training. Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Not Close to Challenging The Atlanta Braves

Spring training for the Mets started with some optimism this month, with star closer Edwin Diaz finally returning from his World Baseball Classic injury in 2023.

Despite some player personnel losses, the team's lineup still has some upside with Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor and hope for a bounce-back season from Starling Marte. The rotation, however, had more question marks. Jose Quintana is returning from injury, Luis Severino has had his ups and downs, and Adrian Houser and Sean Manaea are clearly suited for the back end of a five-man rotation. 

Senga was one of the few bright spots from the 2023 season, with a 2.98 ERA and nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. Now he's out for the foreseeable future. 

New Mets General Manager Dave Stearns said on Thursday that the injury is "not season ending," and that there's "no surgery required." But pitcher arm injuries are never to be taken lightly, and any extended absence could bury the Mets behind the loaded Atlanta Braves. 

2023 was a terrible season in Queens, and 2024 sure isn't starting off any better.