NLDS Preview: New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies with Carlos Mendoza, David Peterson, Kodai Senga Press Conference
@JeffSkverskyRU-vid
As the New York Mets prepare for their NLDS matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, the return of Kodai Senga is the headline, adding a layer of intrigue to this already heated rivalry. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Senga will start Game 1, a move that was met with surprise by many, including Mets reliever David Peterson. Senga, who has pitched just one Major League game this season, has been working his way back from injury, and now all eyes are on him as the Mets look to take control of the series.
Kodai Senga’s Return: A Gamble or a Masterstroke?
Senga himself was informed only recently about his Game 1 start, saying in his workout day press conference, "I was told on Wednesday... The rehab process, it's been up and down, but recently it's definitely been turning in the right direction." Senga’s return adds a much-needed boost to the Mets' pitching staff, especially given the importance of the first game in a short series.
Senga acknowledged the difficulty of returning to the mound after such a long absence, but his confidence was clear. "If I thought it was difficult, I wouldn’t be ready. So I’m ready for tomorrow," he said when asked about the challenges of getting back into high-leverage game situations. His mindset is focused on maintaining control of the game and his body, which will be crucial against a dangerous Phillies lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber.
David Peterson, who has stepped into various roles this season, also discussed the challenges of a long layoff for a pitcher. "Getting back up to game speed is something that's going to be a challenge when you're coming back like that," Peterson said, though he expressed faith in Senga’s preparation and competitiveness. The Mets will need every ounce of that competitive fire from Senga in a high-stakes game at Citizens Bank Park, where postseason crowds are known to get rowdy.
Mets' Pitching Strategy: Balancing Senga and the Bullpen
One of the biggest questions heading into Game 1 is how long Senga will be able to pitch. Both Mendoza and Senga have been vague about specific pitch counts. Senga playfully brushed off a question about how many pitches he might throw, stating, "If they say ten pitches, I’m all in for ten pitches. If they say 200, I’m in for 200." While it’s unlikely he’ll approach the 200-pitch mark-something he hasn’t done in five years-the Mets are clearly prepared to manage his workload based on how he feels during the game.
Carlos Mendoza has indicated that the bullpen, including Peterson and Tylor Megill, is ready to step in as needed. "We'll see how the game unfolds, and we'll make adjustments as we go," Mendoza said, emphasizing that the Mets have contingency plans in place. Peterson, coming off his first professional save in the Mets' Wild Card win, is ready for any role. "I'll be ready tomorrow if they need me," Peterson reiterated. His versatility will be crucial if Senga is unable to go deep into the game.
The Phillies: A Dangerous Opponent
The Phillies present a formidable challenge for the Mets. Zack Wheeler, the former Mets ace, will start Game 1 for Philadelphia, and his familiarity with the Mets’ hitters adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The Phillies’ lineup is stacked, with power from Harper, Schwarber, and Turner, as well as key contributions from players like J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm. Senga’s ability to control the pace of the game and limit damage early will be critical, as the Mets try to avoid falling behind in the series.
The intensity of the rivalry is not lost on either team. Peterson spoke about the unique atmosphere of Phillies-Mets games, noting, "This place gets loud. And that’s what you want, you want that playoff atmosphere." Senga, too, expressed excitement about the challenge of pitching in a hostile environment, saying, "I’m looking forward to it."
X-Factors: Confidence and the Playoff Pumpkin
Confidence seems to be the prevailing theme for the Mets heading into this series. Both Senga and Peterson exude a calm belief in their abilities, despite the unpredictability surrounding Senga’s return. The team has been riding a wave of momentum, and their quirky playoff mascot, the "playoff pumpkin," has become a symbol of their loose, fun-loving attitude. Peterson, when asked about the pumpkin, commented, "It’s all in good fun for us and just continuing to keep up the good spirit that we’ve had and continue to enjoy the ride."
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4 окт 2024
