Mets' Senga Shines Before Injury Overshadows Victory Against Braves
- Mets pitcher Kodai Senga was injured during his season debut after a tumble while making a play.
- The team reported that he suffered a left calf strain, causing concern for his return.
- Senga had previously been on the injured list, but his promising performance before the injury raised hopes for the remainder of the season.
NEW YORK – Kodai Senga made a promising season debut for the New York Mets on Friday night, showcasing his skills with nine strikeouts over five innings against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets, aiming for the top NL wild-card spot, held a commanding six-run lead in what ultimately became an 8-4 victory. However, the game took a concerning turn when Senga collapsed after an infield popup by Austin Riley, clutching his left calf as he fell to the ground. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his disappointment over Senga's injury, stating, "He dominated today. You hate to see him go down like that." The right-hander had previously been sidelined with a shoulder injury, making his return a significant boost for the team as they push for the playoffs. The crowd at Citi Field showed their support as Senga limped off the field, leaving fans anxious about the severity of his condition. Despite the scare, the Mets rallied in the third inning, launching three home runs and scoring seven runs to take control of the game. Charlie Morton, the Braves' starting pitcher, struggled to find his rhythm, allowing the Mets to capitalize on his mistakes. The Mets' offense, which had been gaining momentum, seemed to regain its confidence after a shaky start. As the game progressed, the focus shifted from Senga's impressive performance to concerns about his future availability. The Mets, who had been celebrating his return, now face uncertainty regarding their ace's next appearance on the mound.