The Mets pulled yet another rabbit out of their hat.
In a stunning turn of events, Carlos Mendoza announced on Friday that Kodai Senga would be their Game 1 starter against the Phillies in the NLDS on Saturday. A team that seemingly can do no wrong at the moment just got their ace back.
The 31-year-old has thrown just 5.1 innings this season as he started the year on the injured list with a shoulder injury and was supposed to end it there after suffering a high-grade calf strain during his only start of the season on July 26.
However, the right-hander will take the ball at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday afternoon.
“We always had hopes [that Senga would return],” said Mendoza. “But, you know, it’s been the whole year. What made us feel comfortable with this decision was that he was the one wanting the baseball. The only time we had that situation was when he faced Braves — the only outing he had this year before he went down again.
“Pretty comfortable and I’m excited to go watch him pitch tomorrow.”
It remains to be seen just how much length Senga can provide as he threw just 25 pitches last weekend in Port St. Lucie. Mendoza said the Mets will be in wait-and-see mode as to what the 2023 Rookie of the Year runner-up can provide.
“We’ll see [what Senga can give us],” said Mendoza. “We’re going to let it play out. He’s been in Florida throwing and facing hitters. We have a plan but we’re going to go out there and watch him closely but he’s ready to go and that’s why we’re going with him in Game 1.”
While there isn’t much of a sample considering Senga was out essentially the entire season, he dominated the Phillies last season in his two starts. Senga allowed just four earned runs over 12.1 innings pitched in his two career starts against the Phillies — a 1.46 ERA.
The Mets skipper also announced that Luis Severino will start in Game 2 on Sunday.
