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For starting pitcher Kodai Senga of the New York Mets, Friday’s seemingly ordinary outing turned costly.
Senga was playing his first game of the 2024 season at Citi Field in Queens, New York, against the Atlanta Braves. Throughout the first half of the season, the right-hander had to cope with a severe injury to his right shoulder.
After five innings, the 2023 All-Star appeared to be in midseason form. Senga gave up just two hits and two earned runs while recording nine strikeouts.
But to begin the top of the sixth, a routine pop-up went horribly wrong. Senga took a clumsy step and fell to the infield grass as he attempted to cover first base. The 31-year-old was observed grabbing at his left calf while grimacing in agony.
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Senga tossed 73 pitches, and the Mets, ahead 8-2 at that moment, lifted him. The home team prevailed 8–4 despite playing without its starter.
It was described as a “left calf strain” by the Mets.
Senga had an outstanding season as a rookie for the Mets in 2018. Over 29 starts, the Japanese pitcher’s WHIP was 1.22 and his ERA was 2.98. He garnered votes for the NL Cy Young Award, was nominated for an All-Star team, and came in second in the NL Rookie of the Year competition.
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