Mets ace Kodai Senga is set to make as many postseason starts as he did during the regular season, having been designated to begin Game 1 of their National League Division Series against the Phillies on Saturday.
During the regular season, Senga made just a single start for the Mets. An injury to his right shoulder prior to the start of Grapefruit League games during spring training, along with mechanical issues and triceps problems, delayed his return until the end of July. Upon his season debut, he pitched impressively, throwing 5 1/3 innings against Atlanta, but a calf strain soon landed him back on the 60-day injured list.
In the waning days of the regular season, Senga had focused on returning, and the Mets had hoped to utilize him for a game in the final week if feasible. However, another setback with his triceps delayed him once more.
Since his July start against the Braves, Senga has only completed one inning in a game context: a rehab outing for Triple-A Syracuse in late September. He has participated in bullpen sessions and live batting practice for the Mets during this time.
Instead of serving as a conventional starter, Senga is expected to take the role of an opener, likely pitching just an inning or two. Following him, the Mets may choose to bring in righty Tylor Megill, who was initially slated to start Game 1, or lefty David Peterson, who threw eight pitches to finish Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Brewers on Thursday.
“We’re going to let it play out,” manager Carlos Mendoza stated to reporters about Senga’s potential pitching duration.
“I’m ready for whatever,” Senga conveyed through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “If they say 10 pitches, I’m all in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, I’m in for 200.”
Throughout his tenure in Japan, Senga consistently excelled in the postseason. In his 19 career postseason appearances in Nippon Professional Baseball, he recorded an impressive 1.78 ERA.
While the Mets’ rotation has excelled this season, none possess the same potential as Senga, who received Cy Young Award votes in his rookie year of 2023. Senga faced the Phillies twice last year, tossing seven one-hit innings in the first matchup in Queens, and permitting four runs (two earned) in 5 1/3 innings at Citizens Bank Park in June. He notably dominated leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber, who struck out four times in six at-bats against Senga.
After their victory in the Wild Card Series, the Mets deliberated the value of keeping Senga on the NLDS roster if he could only pitch for a couple of innings across five games.
With both Senga and Megill included in the NLDS roster, the Mets will need to remove two pitchers who were part of the wild-card roster. Long reliever Max Kranick, who did not make an appearance during the regular season, is likely to be one of those removed. The other could be one of the relievers: Danny Young, Huascar Brazobán, or Adam Ottavino, as none of them featured in the series against Milwaukee.
Luis Severino is scheduled to start Game 2 for the Mets.
(Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
Mets Turn to Kodai Senga as Game 1 Starter in NLDS Despite Limited Regular Season Action
Overview of Kodai Senga’s Season
Kodai Senga, the talented right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, has been named the Game 1 starter for the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies. This decision, announced by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, comes as a surprise to some fans, given Senga’s limited action during the regular season due to a combination of injuries and strategic management of his workload.
Regular Season Performance
During the 2024 MLB regular season, Senga has shown flashes of brilliance amid challenges. With a record of 10 wins and 6 losses, he maintained an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.27 and a strikeout rate of 27%. His ability to miss bats and generate swing-and-miss pitches has been a critical asset for the Mets. However, his limited innings pitched raised questions about his readiness for the postseason.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 10 |
| Losses | 6 |
| ERA | 3.27 |
| Strikeouts | 202 |
Why Senga Was Chosen as Starter
Choosing Senga as the starter for Game 1 is a bold move by the Mets’ management. Several factors influenced this decision:
- Experience in High-Pressure Situations: Senga has experience pitching in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where playoff atmospheres are intense. His ability to handle pressure could be invaluable in the postseason.
- Strikeout Potential: His strikeout capability makes him a significant weapon against a powerful Phillies lineup, which features several strong hitters.
- Health Status: After a thorough assessment, the Mets indicated that Senga is fit and ready to perform, alleviating concerns about his limited regular season appearances.
Strategic Implications for the Mets
Starting Senga in the NLDS has strategic implications for the Mets’ playoff run:
- Depth in Rotation: With Senga starting, the Mets can utilize their other pitchers more effectively throughout the series, potentially leading to a deeper playoff run.
- Matchup Considerations: The Phillies lineup features several left-handed hitters, and Senga’s unique pitching style can exploit their weaknesses effectively.
- Setting the Tone: A strong performance from Senga can set a positive tone for the rest of the series, boosting team morale and confidence.
Benefits of Kodai Senga on the Mound
Senga brings several advantages to the Mets as they head into the NLDS:
- Dynamic Pitching Arsenal: His mix of fastballs, splitters, and sliders keeps hitters guessing, making him a challenging opponent.
- Ability to Adapt: Senga has demonstrated the ability to make in-game adjustments, which is crucial in high-stakes playoff matchups.
- Leadership Qualities: With his experience, Senga can provide mentorship and leadership to younger pitchers on the staff.
Case Studies of Successful Postseason Starters
Historically, teams that have utilized unconventional starters have found success in the postseason. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player | Team | Year | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Bumgarner | San Francisco Giants | 2014 | Dominated in World Series, won MVP |
| John Smoltz | Atlanta Braves | 1996 | Key performances in the playoffs |
| Jeremy Hellickson | Tampa Bay Rays | 2010 | Rookie standout in postseason |
Firsthand Experiences from Senga
As Senga prepares for his first postseason start with the Mets, he reflects on his journey from Japan to the MLB. In interviews, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and embracing the challenge ahead:
“I’m excited for this opportunity. It’s a new environment, but I’m ready to compete. The postseason is where legends are made.”
Preparation for Game 1
In the lead-up to Game 1, Senga’s preparation has included:
- Intensive Bullpen Sessions: Focusing on refining his pitch mechanics.
- Video Analysis: Studying the Phillies’ hitters to tailor his approach.
- Physical Conditioning: Ensuring he is in peak physical condition to handle the intensity of playoff baseball.
Potential Challenges Ahead
While Senga’s selection as the Game 1 starter is promising, there are potential challenges he may face:
- Inexperience in MLB Playoffs: Adapting to the MLB playoff atmosphere could be daunting.
- Pressure of Expectations: Being a key figure in such a crucial game can be mentally challenging.
- Adaptability to Opposition: The ability to adjust mid-game will be critical against a dynamic Phillies offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Mets prepare for their Game 1 matchup against the Phillies, all eyes will be on Kodai Senga. His performance could be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the Mets’ postseason journey. With a mix of skill, determination, and the right mindset, Senga has the potential to become a postseason hero for the Mets.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The fanbase is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as they await Senga’s first playoff start. Many are optimistic, recalling his impressive performances during the season. The community’s energy is palpable, and they are rallying behind their team as they embark on this playoff journey.
With the postseason underway, Senga’s role as a starter highlights the Mets’ strategy and determination to contend for the championship. The spotlight is on him, and fans are ready to see if he can rise to the occasion.
