Mets' Kodai Senga to Go on IL With Strained Hamstring After Injury vs. Nationals

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga exited Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals in the bottom of the sixth inning after injuring himself while covering first base on a groundout.

Senga had been throwing a gem at the time of the injury, giving up just one hit and a walk in 5.2 innings while striking out five. He hadn't allowed a run and was only at 77 pitches.

After the game, it was confirmed that Senga suffered a hamstring strain and will head to the injured list.

It's a huge blow to the Mets. The 32-year-old came into Thursday's start with a 6-3 record to go along with a 1.59 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 68 innings, with a 2.4 WAR.

The team's rotation of Senga, Tylor Megill, David Peterson, Griffin Canning and Clay Holmes has been very solid in general, and Mets lead all of baseball in team ERA (2.82) and rank fourth in opponent's batting average (.223).

The 2023 All-Star made just one start in the 2024 season due to a number of injuries, adding additional concern to Thursday's development. He did return for the postseason and made three appearances for the Mets as they reached the NLCS.

With Senga heading for a stint on the injured list, the team could turn to either Huascar Brazobán (two starts this year), Paul Blackburn or Blade Tidwell (one start each) in his stead, with Blackburn the likely choice.