In his first postseason start of 2023, Kodai Senga faced significant challenges, leading to a disappointing 9-0 loss for the New York Mets in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Senga struggled to command the strike zone, walking four batters, throwing a wild pitch, and committing a pitch clock violation. He was pulled after just four outs, allowing three runs in the process.
Senga’s Performance and Struggles
Senga’s troubles began early, as he missed the strike zone with 13 of his first 16 pitches. His fastball, which had reached 97 mph earlier in the season, peaked at just 94.5 mph in this outing. Additionally, he failed to utilize his sweeper pitch, a key part of his successful 2023 campaign. The pitcher attributed these struggles to mechanical issues, which have been a recurring problem throughout the season.
Managerial Insights on Senga’s Struggles
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza admitted that Senga “didn’t have it” on Sunday, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pointed out that Senga’s split-finger fastball was ineffective. Senga struggled to command his cutter, often falling behind hitters. Despite these issues, the Mets opted to start Senga over other pitching options, including Sean Manaea, their best pitcher in the second half.
Mets’ Strategy and Impact on the Bullpen
The Mets’ decision to start Senga was based on his postseason pedigree and a strong appearance in the NL Division Series. However, his poor performance forced the Mets to use David Peterson for 40 pitches in relief, leaving him unavailable for Game 2.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Game 3 and Beyond
Despite the setback, Mendoza expressed optimism about Peterson’s availability for Game 3 and hinted at the possibility of using him as a Game 5 starter, depending on the series’ progression. Senga’s future with the Mets in this postseason now depends on his ability to bounce back from this disappointing outing, with the team considering whether to stick with him or turn to Peterson for future games.
