Kodai Senga to Start for Mets in Game 1 of NL Division Series

Kodai Senga, who has made a minimal appearance in the major league this year, is scheduled to start Game 1 for the New York Mets in the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Senga joined the Mets on a five-year contract worth $75 million before the 2023 season and quickly rose to prominence as an All-Star with a 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA across 29 starts. Despite his remarkable initial season, he faced multiple injuries this year, limiting him to just one start.

Senga, who dealt with right tricep tightness and a strained left calf, is anticipated to make his comeback in a pivotal game for the Mets. “I think if I thought it was difficult I wouldn’t be ready,” Senga commented through an interpreter, demonstrating his readiness for the impending challenge. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Senga’s preparedness, saying ahead of a workout at Citizens Bank Park, “We always had hopes. But it’s been the whole year. What made us feel comfortable with this decision was he was the one that wanted the baseball.”

The Mets’ strategic decision to start Senga comes after securing a playoff berth by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card series. An impressive moment in that series was Pete Alonso‘s three-run homer that secured a decisive victory for the Mets. In preparation for the Phillies, the Mets activated Senga from the 60-day injured list and brought Tylor Megill onto the 26-man roster.

In contrast, the New York Yankees are dealing with their own lineup challenges as they prepare for the American League Division Series. Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo will miss the series against the Kansas City Royals due to fractured fingers. Rizzo, a three-time All-Star and World Series champion, remains hopeful for a return if the Yankees advance to the Championship Series.

Likely replacements for Rizzo include rookies Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera. Rice, who showed potential with a three-homer game against Boston, is eager to step in with guidance from Rizzo. “Just kind of picking his brain about certain things,” Rice said, emphasizing the mentorship he receives.

The Phillies have announced their Game 1 starter as Aaron Nola, followed by Zack Wheeler in Game 2, setting the stage for intense divisional play. The Mets’ decision to rely on Senga despite his limited playtime this season adds an element of unpredictability to the series, highlighting the high-stakes environment of playoff baseball.