New York Mets make surprising move, name injury-riddled Kodai Senga as Game 1 starter against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park

Drew Smith
October 4, 2024
Phillies
0 Comments

In a somewhat shocking (and stupid) move, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.

Kodai Senga has been limited to just one start all season due to shoulder, triceps, and calf issues and hasn’t pitched in a major league game in over two months.

His last outing was a 15-pitch rehab start on September 21, followed by a 25-pitch live batting practice session on Monday.

Before that, Senga made just one start during the regular season on July 28th against the Atlanta Braves. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs, throwing 73 total pitches (52 strikes). The Mets won that game 8-4.

Kodai Senga’s first year with the Mets was impressive, earning him an All-Star nod and a second-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, just behind the Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll.

Senga’s been lights-out against the Phillies, holding them to a 1.46 ERA in two starts across 12 1/3 innings. He gave up just two earned runs, six hits, and struck out 12.

That kind of performance could be crucial in Game 1 of the NLDS, where his deceptive “ghost ball” might prove tough for Phillies hitters, who are known to chase pitches outside the zone.

Kodai Senga will start Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow

KODAI SENGAAAAA LMAO
— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) October 4, 2024

It’s no surprise that Senga is on the playoff roster, but starting him right out of the gate in such a high-stakes game is a wild move. Mendoza didn’t specify how long he expects Senga to go in Game 1.

It’s very unlikely that the Mets are banking on him for a full outing. Instead, they’ll probably turn to David Peterson or Tylor Megill to handle the bulk of the innings once Senga’s day is done.

Luis Severino will take the mound for the Mets in Game 2, continuing a strong stretch for a Mets rotation that posted the fifth-lowest ERA (3.28) over the last two months of the regular season.

First pitch is set for 4:08 pm on Saturday, and it’ll be interesting to see if Senga can keep the Phillies’ bats in check once again. Personally, I have serious doubts that will happen.

All Things Philadelphia Phillies >>