New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga is used to pitching with at least five days of rest.
In Japan, where he pitched for years, hurlers toe the rubber about once a week, or with a minimum of five days between starts.
But the Mets can’t afford to keep accommodating him on that schedule.
Things are different in MLB.
As a result, there might be a change of plans brewing for Senga’s next game.
“The Mets are considering starting Kodai Senga on four days’ rest this Sunday for the first time, per Buck Showalter. Senga has only pitched on extra rest so far since coming over from Japan. The team plans to do some testing on Senga later this week to gauge the situation,” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.
The Mets are considering starting Kodai Senga on four days’ rest this Sunday for the first time, per Buck Showalter. Senga has only pitched on extra rest so far since coming over from Japan.
The team plans to do some testing on Senga later this week to gauge the situation.
—Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 1, 2023
Senga has been an asset for New York this season.
After dominating the Philadelphia Phillies this week, he has a rock-solid 3.44 ERA in 55 innings.
The Mets’ manager, Showalter, is now seriously considering starting Senga on four days of rest on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s a tough opponent and the Mets need as many wins as they can get, so the decision makes sense.
It will all depend on how Senga is feeling, though.
It could mark the start of a transition period for Senga rest-wise.
Despite a few control lapses here and there, the first season stateside has gone really well for Senga.
Hitters still have a hard time against his signature pitch, the “ghost forkball”.
He will be a key cog in the Mets rotation as they try to secure a spot in the postseason for a second consecutive year.
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