Mets’ Kodai Senga strikes out nine but leaves 2024 debut with calf injury

On a night where everything went right for the Mets, their ace Kodai Senga had to leave his 2024 debut against the Atlanta Braves on Friday early with an apparent leg injury.

In the sixth, Senga got Austin Riley to pop out and as he jogged to first base to cover, the right-hander came up lame. Senga stood down on the floor grabbing at his calf as trainers took a look at him. He got on his feet and was pulled from the game, limping back to the dugout on his power to a standing ovation from the Citi Field faithful.

The Mets announced Senga left with a left calf strain.

Prior to the injury, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up mowed down a Braves lineup that, despite its many injuries, is still rather formidable. Senga got off to a great start, striking out two batters in the first inning but hung a cutter to Adam Duvall in the second that went 392 feet just inside the left-field foul pole.

That homer was the only blemish on Friday night as he pitched 5.1 innings (73 pitches/52 strikes), giving up two hits, one walk and one HBP. He also struck out nine Braves.

Senga started the season on the IL after a shoulder strain in spring training. The 31-year-old would take his time in his rehab, not happy with his mechanics, before suffering a triceps injury that set him back.

In his rookie campaign, Senga pitched to a 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP.