The New York Mets have shockingly decided to roll with Kodai Senga in Game 1 of their NLDS matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies in spite of the fact that Senga has only made one start this season.

However, Senga appears ready for the challenge.

When asked about a potential pitch count in the series opener, Senga didn’t mince words.

“If they say 10 pitches, I’m all in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, I’m in for 200,” Senga said, via Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Senga began the 2024 campaign on the injured list due to a shoulder injury. He returned in late July, made one start and then hit the shelf yet again as a result of a calf strain.

For that reason, the fact that the Mets are seriously going with Senga in Game 1 is certainly surprising given what’s at stake.

There is no doubt that Senga is New York’s best pitcher when healthy. Last season, he went 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA while allowing 126 hits and registering 202 strikeouts over 166.1 innings of work. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting for his efforts and even garnered some Cy Young consideration.

Thanks to Senga’s rocking start, expectations were high for the Japanese star heading into 2024. Obviously, things did not go according to plan.

But now, the 31-year-old has a chance to establish himself as a legend in the Big Apple with a strong performance on an enormous stage.

Kodai Senga and the New York Mets will face the Phillies on Saturday afternoon and are looking to win their first playoff series since making it to the World Series back in 2015.

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