Mets Playoff Notes: Kodai Senga the likely Game 1 NLCS starter; Jeff McNeil update

Here are key Mets updates as the team prepares for the NLCS, with their opponent to be determined Friday night when the Padres and Dodgers play Game 5 of the NLDS in Los Angeles…

Kodai Senga the likely Game 1 NLCS starter

The Mets know they’ll be traveling to California for the first two games of the NLCS. But they haven’t yet chosen their Game 1 starter.

Carlos Mendoza said on Friday that the decision will be announced on Saturday, and mentioned Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino as potential options.

According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, it is likely that Senga starts Game 1. Martino notes that the Mets need to check in with all of their pitchers to make sure everyone is on track before making a final call.

Senga returned and started Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies last Saturday in Philadelphia, pitching two innings of one-run ball in what was his first MLB action since July 26.

If Senga starts Game 1 in California, it is fair to believe that he will be limited to three or four innings (or fewer, depending on his pitch count), meaning he would almost certainly be piggybacked — perhaps by David Peterson or Tylor Megill.

If Manaea gets the call, he will be on regular (four days) rest.

If it’s Severino, he will be on six days of rest.

Jeff McNeil‘s potential availability

McNeil has recently been taking batting practice, and the plan is for him to play in the Arizona Fall League on Friday and Saturday.

Per Mendoza, the goal is for McNeil to play between seven and nine innings each day, potentially getting four at-bats per game.

Mendoza indicated that if all goes well, McNeil — who hasn’t played since suffering a fracture in his wrist on Sept. 6 — will be on the NLCS roster.

If the Mets add McNeil, they will either subtract one pitcher from the roster (likely Danny Young or Adam Ottavino) and carry 12 instead of 13, or remove a bench player (likely Luisangel Acuña).

McNeil being added to the roster would give the Mets a ton of positional versatility — something they lacked a bit in the NLDS.

David Peterson‘s role will stay fluid

Peterson has emerged as an X-factor in the bullpen during the postseason, and Mendoza said his role will remain fluid.

In three appearances over 6.1 innings of relief in the playoffs, Peterson has not allowed a run.

Peterson’s performance was especially key in New York’s Game 1 NLDS win in Philadelphia, when he fired three one-hit innings in relief of Senga to keep the Mets within striking distance before they pounced.

The big left-hander threw 2.1 more shutout innings in relief of Jose Quintana in Game 4, once again keeping the Mets close before they erupted in the sixth inning.

Carlos Mendoza on a potential Subway World Series

The Mets and Yankees are both in the LCS for the first time since 2000, when they faced off in the first Subway World Series since 1956.

And while there’s still a long way to go before a potential all New York matchup in this year’s Fall Classic, Mendoza was not shy about answering when asked about it.

“It’ll be amazing,” Mendoza said. “It’ll be an unbelievable experience. For the city of New York, the two fanbases, it’ll be like a dream come true.

“Again, don’t want to get too far ahead. But the fact that the two teams are in it — in a position to do something special — it’s a great feeling for a lot of people. Especially for us with the Mets, and for the Yankees as well.”