On a night when everything was going well for the Mets, their ace Kodai Senga was forced to pull out of his 2024 debut against the Atlanta Braves on Friday due to a suspected leg injury.
In the sixth round Senga got Austin Riley to jump out and as he ran to cover first base, the right-hander limped to his feet. Senga stood on the ground, clutching his calf as trainers watched him. He got up and was removed from the game, limping back to the dugout on his strength, to a standing ovation from the Citi Field faithful.
The Mets announced that Senga has suffered a left calf injury.
Before the injury, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up mowed down a Braves lineup that, despite the many injuries, is still quite formidable. Senga started out great, striking out two batters in the first inning, but threw a cutter to Adam Duvall in the second, the ball went 392 feet, just inside the left field post.
That home run was the only blemish on Friday night, as he threw 5.1 innings (73 pitches/52 strikes), allowing two hits, one walk and one HBP. He also struck out nine Braves.
Senga began the season on the IL after suffering a shoulder injury in spring training. The 31-year-old was said to be taking his time in rehab, unhappy with his mechanics, before suffering a triceps injury that set him back.
In his debut season, Senga had a 12-7 record, a 2.98 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.
