In a surprise move, the New York Mets have announced that right-hander Kodai Senga will take the mound for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Senga, 31, has been sidelined for the past two months with a calf injury, but has made a remarkable recovery in time for the postseason.
Senga’s return is a significant boost for the Mets, who have been depleted of pitching options after a grueling run to the division series. The team played a doubleheader on Monday, followed by three consecutive games in Milwaukee, culminating in a thrilling 4-2 come-from-behind victory that secured their playoff spot.
Despite missing most of the season with shoulder and triceps injuries, Senga is confident in his ability to make an impact in the postseason. “I’m ready for whatever,” he said. “If they say 10 pitches, I’m all-in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, I’m in for 200.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner will determine how deep into the game Senga can pitch. Senga has been working diligently to get back into pitching shape, throwing live batting-practice sessions and demonstrating his signature “ghost fork” split-fingered fastball.
The Mets are counting on Senga to return to his dominant form from last season, when he posted a 2.99 ERA over 166⅓ innings and struck out 202 batters. His return will be crucial against the Phillies, who will start former Mets and Phillies ace Zack Wheeler in Game 1.
Senga’s teammates are confident in his ability to rise to the challenge. “I have no doubt of the work he’s put in and the way he’s gotten himself prepared,” said Mets starter David Peterson. “He’s ready for the challenge.”
With Senga back in the rotation, the Mets are poised to make a deep run in the postseason. As he takes the mound on Saturday, all eyes will be on the Japanese right-hander to see if he can lead his team to victory.
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