NLDS pitching updates: Kodai Senga to start Game 1 for Mets, Cristopher Sanchez starts Game 2 for Phillies

Just one day before the Phillies and Mets open their first-ever postseason matchup together, the two teams provided some updates on who their starters will be.

One was a big surprise, the other was sort of expected but a bit surprising.

Kodai Senga to start Game 1 for Mets

Southpaw David Peterson was originally projected to be the Mets’ Game 1 starter. However, he closed Thursday night’s thriller in Milwaulkee, ruling him out for Saturday. It raised some different options, specifically right-hander Tylor Megill, but Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza threw out a surprising one.

Right-hander Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the NLDS. He has pitched in only one game this season. He began the season on the injured list with a right shoulder capsule strain, returned for one start against the Braves in late July, and then went back on the IL with a left calf strain. The original ace of this Mets staff has been rehabbing at their spring training complex and seems to be ready to go.

The Phils could definitely see MeGill, Peterson, and others out of the bullpen. And if Senga’s outing is short, expect to see those guys out there.

In two career starts against the Phillies, Senga has a 1.46 ERA in 12 1/3 innings. He has owned the Phillies in his few goes against them.

And back in December of 2022, when he was asked if there was anyone he was especially looking forward to facing, Senga said in English, “Phillies lineup.” Keep that in the back of your head Saturday afternoon.

Senga will go up against Zack Wheeler in Game 1.

Cristopher Sanchez starts Game 2 for Phillies

The Phils are going a more predictable route with their Game 2 starter.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced Friday that it will be Cristopher Sanchez starting in Game 2 on Sunday. Aaron Nola will start in Game 3.

This makes sense. When you look at Sanchez’s home/road splits, this was a play that had to be made. Especially going into Citi Field for their first playoff game at home, no way. He has a 2.21 ERA in 17 starts at Citizens Bank Park, and a 5.02 ERA on the road in 14 starts.

Nola gets the ball for Game 3 at Queens. Thomson likes Nola’s experience in Game 3 as the Phillies head into the raucous Mets crowd.

Sanchez will face righty Luis Severino on Sunday. The Mets have not announced a Game 3 starter yet.

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