The New York Mets may have averted disaster.
Pitcher Kodai Senga crumpled to the ground after stretching for a high throw while covering first base in the sixth inning of the Mets’ 4-3 victory over the Nationals on Thursday. Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo reported that Senga had suffered a strained hamstring and would land on the Injured List. However, the Mets would not know the severity until Senga’s MRI on Friday.
The Mets received the best possible news they could have on Friday. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, including SNYtv, that Senga suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks before determining a course of action.
Senga has been a significant part of the Mets’ impressive start to the season. He has produced a major league-leading 1.47 ERA and a 1.113 WHiP in his 73.2 innings, striking out 70 batters with 31 walks. Opponents had mustered a meager .195/.283/.318 batting line against Senga in 293 plate appearances, hitting just four homers.
The Mets are in a good spot to weather Senga’s absence. Pitcher Paul Blackburn returned from his own stint on the IL recently, allowing three runs on 10 hits and two walks over nine innings, striking out six. Pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are both on rehab assignments, although Montas was hammered during his outing at Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. However, while the Mets have impressive depth in the rotation, they will be hard pressed to replace one of the best pitchers in the National League this season.
