After missing most of the season due to injury, Kodai Senga will take the mound for the New York Mets in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The New York Mets have received a major boost heading into the National League Division Series (NLDS) with the activation of their ace pitcher, Kodai Senga. The 31-year-old right-hander will start Game 1 of the series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
Senga's return to the mound is a significant development for the Mets, who have been without their top pitcher for the majority of the season. Senga signed a five-year, $75 million contract with New York in December, but he began the season on the injured list due to a posterior shoulder capsule strain. He made his season debut on July 26 but suffered a calf strain in his sixth start.
Mets' Kodai Senga Activated for Game 1 of NLDS
Despite missing so much time, Senga has been impressive when he has been on the mound. In his one start this season, he pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts. In 2023, Senga posted a 2.98 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 148 innings pitched for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
The Mets have been resilient all season, overcoming injuries and adversity to secure a playoff berth. Their improbable victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series on Thursday night was a testament to their never-say-die attitude. With Senga back in the fold, the Mets have a legitimate chance to make a deep run in the postseason.
Mets' Kodai Senga Activated for Game 1 of NLDS
Senga will face former Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler in Game 1 of the NLDS. Wheeler, who was traded to the Phillies in 2019, has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the National League. He finished the regular season with a 3.11 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 213.1 innings pitched.
The Mets have a strong track record against the Phillies, winning 11 of their 19 meetings this season. However, the Phillies have a dangerous offense led by Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, and Rhys Hoskins.
The NLDS is a best-of-five series, with the winner advancing to the NL Championship Series. The Mets will host Games 1 and 2 at Citi Field before the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Game 5 will be played at Citi Field.
Senga's activation is a major development for the Mets, who are looking to make a deep run in the postseason. With a talented roster and a veteran manager in Buck Showalter, the Mets have the potential to be a force in the playoffs.
