The New York Mets’ season wasn’t doomed from the start. But their road back to the playoffs was long and winding without their best starting pitcher, Kodai Senga.
Senga, who went 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA as a rookie in 2023, was limited to just one start in the regular season due to various injuries. A shoulder issue during spring training delayed his 2024 debut until July 26.
Senga suffered a significant calf strain during that match and has been on the injured list ever since. Triceps soreness kept him from returning in September, and he threw just 25 pitches in a bullpen session earlier this week.
Now, the 31-year-old will quickly come into action in the National League Division Series.
The Mets announced that Senga would start Game 1 of their NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, on a short list of Cy Young candidates after going 12-7 with a 2.57 ERA in the regular season, will start Game 1 for the Phillies.
While Philadelphia can expect a traditional start from Wheeler, the Mets won’t be able to expect the same from Senga.
Well, Mendoza has just announced Senga as tomorrow’s starter.
– Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) October 4, 2024
The 31-year-old threw 73 pitches during his 5.1 inning effort on July 26. Given that his last bullpen session included 25 pitches, the best-case scenario for the Mets could see him throw an efficient 50 pitches against the Phillies. . According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, “Senga would probably only be able to provide the Mets with a short outing – perhaps an inning or two.”
Of course, this will be easier said than done. The Phillies have had one of the most potent offenses in MLB in 2024, averaging 4.84 runs per game, sixth out of 30 teams.
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In a sense, the Mets are already playing with house money.
On Monday, they played a doubleheader in Atlanta facing the prospect of being eliminated from the playoffs altogether. The Braves and Mets each won a game, allowing them to advance to the Wild Card round.
On Thursday in Milwaukee, the Mets trailed 2-0 in the ninth inning against Brewers closer Devin Williams when Pete Alonso hit a three-run homer to win the game – and the series. For the second time in four days, their season is saved.
Luis Severino started Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Brewers, Sean Manaea the second and Jose Quintana the third. David Peterson finished Thursday’s game for the Mets and could figure into Saturday’s pitching plans as well.
For manager Carlos Mendoza, the risk of including Senga on their NLDS roster lies less in what the right-hander can offer them in Game 1 and more in what he can do for the rest of the series. Apparently he’ll be ready to do it again if the series reaches Game 4, but even then his innings should be limited. Mendoza plans to lean heavily on his bullpen for the second straight round in the playoffs.
If Senga can’t participate in the remainder of the NLDS, the Mets could simply remove him from their 26-man roster and give the spot to another player. But then Senga wouldn’t be available for the Mets in the NL Championship Series if they make it that far.
It all adds up to a fascinating game of strategy, centered around a pitcher who has barely pitched in 2024. A strong start from Senga could set the tone for the Mets in the series, while a loss could make the decision look stupid to rush it. with hindsight.
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