Mets’ Senga to Injury List with Arm Fatigue
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets poses for a portrait on New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 22, 2024 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Only the Mets, right?
With baseball activities only just getting underway, bad news has arrived at the New York Mets doorstep, as staff ace Kodai Senga is expected to miss Opening Day due to what has been described as arm fatigue.
More specifically, according to Team President David Stearns, Senga is suffering from a mild strain of his posterior capsule in the back of his right shoulder. There is no time table for his return, yet the Mets executive stressed there is no need to worry; the Mets expect Senga to pitch significant innings this year.
“We don’t expect Opening Day, but I do expect him to make a bunch of starts for us this year,” Stearns explained to reporters down in Port St. Lucie. “This is not a surgical-type problem. This is something with rest and treatment — potentially an injection — that can move this forward.”
UGH!
The news is certainly going to make Mets fans groan. They are used to news like this. From Jacob deGrom’s mysterious elbow injuries that left him on the injury list from months at a time, to Max Scherzer’s injuries before he was dealt last season, fans have grown accustomed to hearing that a Mets starting pitcher will miss time in the rotation.
Without Segna, the Mets are really rolling the dice when it comes to hoping for consistent success and innings out of their starters. Jose Quintana, who has battled his own health issues last season would slot into the top rotation spot, followed by Tylor Megill, Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser.
It’s a risky rotation full of starters who have a lot to prove in 2024.
Other Options?
There are starters available in free agency like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, but the Mets don’t seem willing to make a move at this point mainly because of cost and need. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets would pay a 110 percent luxory tax on every dollar spent on a top free agent like Snell or Montgomery.
Obviously the Mets have no intention to go all out this season. That has been evident in the amount of small moves they made in the off-season as they try to trim payroll. Without Senga, the 2024 season only got tougher.
4 NFL Teams We Expect To Wear New Uniforms Next Season
Although the Super Bowl is behind us, there are still plenty of football subjects to dive into. Of course, the combine, free agency, and the draft are all approaching. However, in addition, there are a few NFL teams who have hinted at wearing new uniforms next season.
Typically, a full unveiling of these fresh threads comes in late spring or summer once the schedule is out and new players are on the roster. Still, there are some things we already know. Part of this has to do with licensing agreements. The NFL and Nike (their official uniform partner) need to go through certain protocols in order for new uniforms to be allowed. At times, this can take a few years. So, in short, preparation for these expected uniform changes began long ago.
Present-day NFL allows for teams to have their typical home and away set and the alternate look. Often, this is a nod to a throwback uniform that was a fan-favorite years ago. For example, in 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought back the special edition creamsicle uniform.
Before we take a look at the NFL teams that will be sporting a new uniform look in 2024, let’s address a related topic.
Teams That Should Change Their Uniforms
Again, this is easier said than done, but here are a few suggestions for teams that can use an upgrade. First, the New York Giants should make their throwback look permanent. This sports the “Giants” logo on the helmet with the red and white striped jersey sleeve the team wore in the ’80s and ’90s. Bringing back the red alternate jersey then allows for the special look twice a year. The same argument can be made for the Philadelphia Eagles. When you have that sharp “Kelly Green” set, there is no reason not to wear them at any opportunity. As for a complete overhaul, let’s suggest the Indianapolis Colts go back to the drawing board. The white horseshoe helmet works (just change the facemask to blue), but the jersey and pants are stale. Less can be more these days with uni designs, so how about adding a little life here? At least the jersey can be as exciting as the future franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
Those three thoughts may be long shots. However, these are not. Here are the four teams we expect to rock new uniforms looks next season.
Michael Cohen is the News and Sports Director at Fox Sports Radio New Jersey and Magic 98.3 FM, as well as a radio production assistant with Fox and Magic in New Jersey. He started his career in Somerset in 2018 initially as a news fill-in at WCTC 1450 AM, and soon moved up to higher responsibilities in the ensuing years, assuming News & Sports Director title in 2021Prior to his time with Fox Sports New Jersey, Michael was play-by-play voice for New Jersey Jackals baseball, and as well as play-by-play and color for the College of Staten Island basketball (men and women), softball and baseball. Michael began his career as a news and sportswriter with the Jersey Journal of Hudson County.
