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Kodai Senga survived his return to the Mets rotation, but now the spotlight is larger and the stakes even higher. The Mets will open the NLCS on Sunday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers with Senga as their starting pitcher, David Peterson and others behind him, and hope its the right formula for another fast start to a postseason series. It worked last weekend, when the Mets received two innings from Senga, in his return from the injured list, and strong relief before rallying late against the Phillies to . Kodai Senga throws a pitch during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Ideally, the Mets will receive three or four innings this time from Senga, tasked with handling a star-studded lineup that includes Shohei Ohtani, Mooke Betts and Freddie Freeman. Im going until they take the ball away from me, and I am going to go at 100 percent until then, Senga said through his interpreter Saturday at Citi Field during a team workout. Explore More Sean Manaea reacts during his Game 3 start against the Phillies in the NLDS. Charles Wenzelberg Theres a lot of great hitters in [their] lineup, and if I leave a ball over the plate, they are probably going to hammer it and that goes for a lot of hitters around the league. Senga received that reminder last Saturday, when for the Phillies. Follow The Posts coverage of the Mets playoff run: It was the only run allowed by Senga over his 31-pitch outing. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced Sean Manaea as the Game 2 starter. Luis Severinos spot has not been officially announced, but Dashawn Keirsey Jr. Jersey the right-hander told The Post he expects to start Game 3, which would also position him for a potential Game 7. That would leave Jose Quintana in line for Game 4 at Citi Field. From the beginning we wanted to put our guys in what we felt was the best position to have succe s considering where they are physically, some of the innings, who needs extra days, Mendoza said. In Sengas case it came down to pitching him as closely to his normal routine of every sixth or seventh day. Luis Severino could be ready for Game 3 for the Mets. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post But that script will change for a potential Game 5, when Senga would be pitching on the fifth day. Im ready for anything, Senga said. I dont anticipate getting to 100 pitches [Sunday] and how many days I have in between, it doesnt matter at this point. We need to win the game, so whenever they call on me Im ready. Just the fact the Mets are getting anything from Senga in October is a bonus after his regular season was limited to 5 / innings pitched. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! The right-hander didnt pitch for the Mets until July after he was diagnosed with a shoulder strain in spring training. Then upon his return he sustained a high-grade calf strain that cost him the final two months of the regular season. There is definitely tension inside myself compared to the other pitchers that have fought throughout the entire year, Senga said. I havent been able to do that, so I really need to be able to continue to contribute and do a job in the following games. David Peterson has been a relief ace for the Mets in the playoffs. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The fact the Mets can use Peterson in a piggyback role eases the potential burden on the bullpen as a whole. The lefty Peterson has pitched 6/ scorele s innings over three relief appearances this postseason. The Dodgers needed a Game 5 of the NLDS on Friday against the Padres to advance, but had the benefit of remaining at home. The Mets chartered to Southern California following their late-morning workout. They are really good its not a secret, Mendoza said. Thats a really good team and a lot of superstars, and they are deep and they faced a lot of adversity, just like us lot of injuries to their pitching staff especially and they found a way. Pablo Lopez Jersey |
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