It turns out that the Mets’ Japanese ace was returning to the starting rotation at the perfect time.
On October 4, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, preparing for Game 1 of the Division Series against the Phillies the next day, announced that the sidelined Kodai Chiga would be on the mound for Game 1 of the series, which would start on enemy territory
Division Series 2024 Major Series Broadcast
On the same day, Anthony Dicomo, a reporter who covers the Mets for MLB.com, posted an article titled “Senga is a surprise starter in Game 1 of the Mets’ division series,” in which he wrote “Senga is a surprise starter in Game 1 of the Mets’ division series (this season).
However, “Senga is ready to pitch in a critical moment.” will be on the starting pitch.”
“We always had hope, but it’s been all year,” Mendoza said, according to the article “The reason we were comfortable making this decision was because he needed the ball. ” he said.
The article goes on to say, “It’s not that the team asked him to start, but because Senga wanted the ball, Coach Mendoza trusted the right-hander’s word that he was ready.”
The manager said, “If anyone knows better than anyone else, it’s Kodai Senga who we’ve been working with all year the bull pen, and it didn’t happen this time.”
Division Series 2024 Major Series Broadcast
Additionally, as to how long Senga, who is making his postseason debut, will be pitching, the article states, “Coach Mendoza has been asked many times about restrictions on the number of pitches and pitches played against Senga, but he refused to answer, but the answer had to be given. right-armer is the length to consider as a starting pitcher.
In this first game, Zach Wiera, one of the best starting right-handers in the National League, will start for the Phillies, and it is expected that the Mets will not be able to create as many scoring opportunities from the beginning to the middle. Therefore, even if it is a short inning, Chiga will be expected to play a role in creating a solid game.
Finally, the battle between the Ghost Folk and the Phillies’ powerful batting staff is a must-see in the postseason.