Mets tab Kodai Senga as Game 1 starter for NLDS
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced Friday.
The 31-year-old Senga made just one start during the regular season due to injuries after a tremendous 2023 rookie campaign. He suffered a high-grade calf strain in his lone outing after returning from a shoulder injury.
Senga made one appearance in the majors this year, 5.1 innings against the Braves on July 26. Carlos Mendoza said he’s been building up in Florida, and he approached the Mets two days ago about pitching tomorrow. https://t.co/8zJNT6qezk
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"We always had hopes (of his returning)," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, according to The Associated Press. "But it's been the whole year. What made us feel comfortable with this decision was he was the one that wanted the baseball."
Senga expressed confidence in his ability to manage a full workload when asked about it Friday. "If they say 10 pitches, I'm all-in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, I'm in for 200," the righty said, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Mendoza noted that Tylor Megill and David Peterson are available behind Senga if necessary, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma.
"We're going to let it play out," the skipper said, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
Senga will pitch opposite Phillies hurler Zack Wheeler.
Mendoza announced right-hander Luis Severino will start Game 2 against lefty Cristopher Sánchez for Philadelphia.