Kodai Senga starts NLDS game one for Mets

The Mets face the Phillies in the National League Division Series. The first game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters today that he is a right-hander Kodai Senga will start the first game for the Mets. Mike Puma of the New York Post was one of those who broke the news on X.

The Mets received next to nothing from Senga this year. He suffered a sprained throwing shoulder in spring training that kept him on the injured list for months. He was again activated from the injured list and made his season debut on July 26, but was removed from the game after 5 1/3 innings due to a calf strain and returned directly to the IL. He attempted to return late in the regular season but was slowed by triceps soreness.

This lack of production from Senga was a blow to the Mets. He made his major league debut in 2023 and pitched 166 1/3 innings with a 2.98 earned run average. His walk rate of 11.1% was quite high, but he struck out 29.1% of the batters he faced and grounders at a rate of 44.7%. Still, the Mets managed to make it to the postseason and then beat the Brewers in the Wild Card Series while Senga remained on the IL.

Yesterday, Will Sammon of the Athletic reported that the Mets are considering Senga for their NLDS roster. Now it looks like the right-hander will not only get a spot on the roster but also take over the ball to get the series going.

More will follow.