New York Mets' Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday.
The 31-year-old has not started a game since July 26, when he suffered a high-grade left calf strain during his 2024 season debut.
Additionally, the right-hander missed the first half of the season due to shoulder and tricep injuries.
Now, Mendoza is throwing Senga right into the fire where he will pitch opposite Phillies star Zack Wheeler.
At this point, it's unclear how deep Senga will be able to play on Saturday, but New York has options behind him with David Peterson and Tylor Megill. That said, Senga threw 15 pitches in a rehab game on Sept. 21, and 25 pitches in a batting practice session on Monday.
However, Senga himself said he's ready to go in any capacity.
"If they say 10 pitches, I'm all in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, I'm in for 200," Senga said, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Luis Severino has already been confirmed to start Game 2 after regular rest.
Last season, Senga was debatably the Mets' best pitcher, going 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts.
The Mets take on the Phillies on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
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