Kodai Senga to Start for Mets in NLDS Opener Against Phillies

kodai senga

The New York Mets are set to start Kodai Senga in Game 1 of their National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, as reported NBC Sports’ Corey Seidman.

Senga hasn’t pitched since July 26, marking his only start of the 2024 season. His debut was delayed due to a shoulder injury, and he was placed on the injured list after suffering a calf strain during that singular appearance.

Luis Severino is slated to take the mound for the Mets in Game 2, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. For the Phillies, two-time All-Star Zack Wheeler will start Game 1, with Cristopher Sánchez set to follow in Game 2 and Aaron Nola taking the hill for Game 3.

Senga is expected to have limitations in his first postseason appearance, with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza indicating he will be capped at 35 to 40 pitches. Mendoza mentioned, “What made us feel comfortable with this decision was that he was the one wanting the baseball.” This was in reference to Senga’s only outing of the season against the Braves before his injuries.

Initially, Kodai Senga aimed for a regular-season return, but triceps tightness during a rehab start on September 21 extended his recovery time. He managed to throw 25 pitches in a live bullpen session on Monday.

The 31-year-old impressed in his rookie season in 2023, finishing with a 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA over 29 starts, notching 202 strikeouts in 166.1 innings.

Having secured their first playoff series win since 2015 in a thrilling game on Thursday night, the Mets are gearing up for a fierce matchup against their division rivals, with a spot in the NLCS on the line.

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