NEW YORK — The New York Mets are set to place their standout pitcher, Kodai Senga, on the injured list following a right hamstring strain suffered during Thursday’s 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals. Senga, who currently leads Major League Baseball in ERA, experienced the injury during a play at first base.
During the game, Senga was performing exceptionally well, allowing just two baserunners through more than five innings. The incident occurred when Senga dashed to cover first base after Pete Alonso fielded a ground ball hit by CJ Abrams. According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, Senga claimed he felt a tweak in his hamstring just before he made a leap to catch Alonso’s elevated throw. Upon landing, Senga faltered and immediately clutched the back of his leg, eventually falling to the ground.
Assisted by an interpreter, an athletic trainer, and manager Mendoza, Senga was evaluated on the field, eventually walking off with a noticeable limp. Despite being a common issue this season, Alonso’s throws to first weren’t the root cause of Senga’s injury. Senga communicated through his translator to reassure Alonso that the injury occurred before he caught the ball.
“Immediately after the inning, I reassured Alonso,” said Mendoza. “I told him it’s a part of the game, and Senga later confirmed through his translator that the issue started before he reached for the throw.” Despite these reassurances, Alonso expressed regret, saying, “I still feel terrible. You never want to see anyone injured, especially someone as crucial as Senga. It’s just unfortunate.”
With Senga sidelined, Paul Blackburn, who impressed against the Los Angeles Dodgers back in June, is expected to fill Senga’s spot in the lineup against the Atlanta Braves next week. Meanwhile, pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are both recovering from injuries sustained in spring training and are on minor league rehab assignments.
“Injuries are part of the sport, as I always say,” remarked Mendoza. “While it’s disappointing for Senga, the team needs to press on, and we have a solid roster ready to step up.”
Despite this setback, the Mets maintain an impressive record of 45-24 and are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak, thanks in large part to Senga’s leadership on the mound. His recent performance lowered his ERA to an outstanding 1.47. The team later entrusted left-hander José Castillo with maintaining their lead.
This marks Senga’s second leg injury in two seasons. Last year he missed significant time due to a calf strain and shoulder injury but returned in time for the playoffs. “I spoke with Senga. He is understandably frustrated, but he’ll bounce back strong,” Mendoza stated. “It’s tough he’s in this situation again, but we are confident in his recovery.”