Mets’ Kodai Senga to start Game 1 of NLCS vs. Dodgers

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made it official Saturday morning, naming Kodai Senga the starting pitcher for Game 1 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mendoza said he expects Senga to pitch around three innings, and then the team will see “how the game unfolds,” noting that every pitcher should be “available and ready to go” after Senga.

“From the beginning, we wanted to put our guys in what we felt was the best position to have success,” Mendoza said. “Considering where they’re at physically, some of the innings, who needs the extra days, who do we want to keep on their normal routine — that was the case for Senga, we wanted to keep it as close as possible to his routine.

“And then with some of the other guys, like I said, because of where they’re at physically and who will benefit from extra days, we decided to go with Senga and keep Senga for Game 1.”

Senga made his first start since July 26 in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, tossing 31 pitches over two innings and allowing one run on a solo homer to Kyle Schwarber. Overall, the right-hander struck out three and walked one.

Mendoza was asked if Senga will be able to pitch on regular rest for the remainder of the playoffs, looking ahead the potential Game 5 of the NLCS at Citi Field, and said that would be the plan as long as Senga is feeling good.

“Hopefully that’s the case,” Mendoza said. “We discussed pretty much every scenario. Who goes Game 1, who goes Game 2, Game 3, potential games 5, 6, and 7 if we go that route. He’s got to get through his start on Sunday and we’ll continue to monitor him the following days. But he should be good to go.”

He added on Senga: “He wants what’s best for the team and he’s going to let us know [how he feels]. But as of right now, he feels good and we’re going to go with him.”

When Senga’s day is done against LA on Sunday, the Mets will likely turn to David Peterson or Tylor Megill out of the bullpen. Mendoza said Friday that Peterson’s role will remain fluid through the NLCS, as the lefty has thrown 6.1 scoreless innings over three appearances during the 2024 postseason. He replaced Senga on the mound in Game 1 of the NLDS and held the Phillies’ lineup in check, allowing just one hit over three innings with three strikeouts and a walk.

Mendoza also announced Sean Manaea will start Game 2 against the Dodgers on Monday, but the team has not yet decided on a Game 3 starting pitcher.