Mets make surprising announcement about their Game 1 starting pitcher

Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets caught everyone off-guard Friday with the announcement of their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Mets announced that Kodai Senga will start Game 1 on Saturday against Philadelphia. Senga had not even been speculated as being in the frame for the start, as he made just one start in 2024 due to injury.

Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 4, 2024

Senga missed the first four months of the season with shoulder problems. He finally made his return in late July, and suffered a calf injury in his first and only start. At the time, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Senga was probably finished for the regular season, and there had not been much of an update since then.

Senga was outstanding in 2023 when healthy, posting a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts. There is certainly some risk to throwing him in Game 1 after being out for roughly two months, but for the Mets, the risk appears to be worth it. Plus, the Phillies are going the unconventional route with their pitching as well.