Surprise! Mets name Kodai Senga starting pitcher for NLDS Game 1 vs. Phillies WSOC TV [Video]

The New York Mets announced an unexpected starting pitcher for Game 1 of their National League division series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kodai Senga will get the starting nod in Saturday’s opener, manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Friday. What makes the choice surprising is that the right-hander only made one start for the Mets during the regular season due to a variety of injuries.

Senga, 31, signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Mets before the 2023 season and was an All-Star in his first campaign with the Mets. He made 29 starts with a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings.

However, he hurt his right shoulder during spring training, then developed issues with his mechanics while recovering and rehabilitating from the injury. That resulted in triceps discomfort and nerve inflammation that further delayed his return.

During his first start of the season on July 26 versus the Atlanta Braves, …