New York Mets' Kodai Senga had 'Iffy' Physical
Carlos Correa wasn't the only individual to have an issue with his physical when negotiating with the Mets this offseason.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga had an issue arise in his physical while working out his deal with the Mets. But unlike Correa, the Mets were able to work through this issue and come to an agreement on a five-year, $75 million deal with Senga.
Per Heyman on Senga:
His physical was actually OK'd before figures were finalized by a team that's become a stickler on physicals in what was said to be a "good behind-the-scenes collaborative effort." If this mode impacted the final number, it also curtailed potential drama. Folks in the know say it's common for Japanese pitchers to show more wear on the arm earlier since star starters there throw more innings at younger ages.
Mets people express confidence he'll be healthy for 2023.
According to a source, there were some injury concerns with Senga even before he took his physical. Alas, the Mets felt confident enough to work through the deal and come to an agreement with the Japanese ace.
Senga recently turned 30-years-old and he threw a total of 1,340.2 innings in Japan across 11 seasons.
The wear-and-tear on Senga's arm was to be expected given the amount of innings he has thrown in his professional career, which started at a young age.
In Japan, starters pitch just once a week. The Mets hope that Senga can make a smooth transition to taking the hill once every fifth day. The expectation is that he will be making more starts, but throwing less innings in the big-leagues in 2023 and beyond.
Despite the concerns over his physical and previous injury history, the Mets are hopeful that Senga can stay healthy this season.
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