The Mets, whose pitching is on fumes after playing five games in four days — including an elimination game on Thursday night — could be getting a serious jolt for their NLDS matchup against the Phillies.
Kodai Senga, who has been working his way toward a return from a calf injury, is in consideration to be on the roster, according to multiple reports.
The right-hander threw 25 pitches during a live bullpen session on Monday.
Afterward, manager Carlos Mendoza said “we’ll see” when queried about the potential that Senga could be on the roster for the NLDS, adding that it was a good sign that Senga felt good and that his velocity was up.
Senga was initially expected to return during the final week of the regular season.
However, after ramping all the way up following the calf strain he suffered at the end of July, Senga felt some triceps tightness after the rehab start he made on Sept. 21.
It’s unclear what Senga’s exact role will be if he’s on the NLDS roster, but he is not stretched out to start in a traditional capacity.
That means that Senga would likely be an opener of sorts — perhaps pitching a few innings — or be used after another starting pitcher in a piggyback scenario.
With David Peterson coming out of the bullpen to close the Mets’ Game 3 win over the Brewers in the Wild Card Series, it’s possible that Tylor Megill will start Game 1 against the Phillies on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Luis Severino, who started Game 1 against Milwaukee on Tuesday, would be on regular rest for Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday.
Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana are potential options to start in Game 3 and Game 4 at Citi Field on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Source Agencies