Even if the NLDS is extended to five games, Kodai Senga will remain in the Mets' pitching plans.
Manager Carlos Mendoza says the right-hander is “on the right track” if the Mets need a starting pitcher for Game 5 against the Phillies.
Sean Manaea is scheduled to start for the Mets on Tuesday at Citi Field, and Jose Quintana will receive the ball in Game 4 on Wednesday.
Chiga pitched for the first time in two months on Saturday, throwing 31 pitches in two innings.
He allowed a leadoff home run to Kyle Schwarber and then retired five of the six batters he faced.
“He continues to feel good,” Mendoza said after optional team training. “He's doing everything he has to do to keep that feeling going. He's doing well and is in a good spot.”
Pete Alonso will play against Aaron Nola, who is scheduled to start in Game 3 for the Phillies, and has a total of 5 home runs in 50 at-bats.
Mets first basemen have a 1.050 OPS against Nola.
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“It’s a challenge,” Nora said. “I threw some balls past the ones he actually didn’t miss and hit a home run.
“I think it's a little different, especially in the playoffs, because everyone is a little more focused. Every pitch is just a little bit higher and just a little bit more important.”
Attendance at Mets workouts was limited, mostly pitchers working on pitching sessions and players needing medical treatment. This day was the team's first time in New York since September 22nd.
David Peterson's role in the postseason is undetermined, but the left-handed pitcher is an important part of the pitching staff.
Peterson pitched a nine-inning shutout in the Mets' wild-card series game last Thursday, followed by Chiga's third shutout two days later.
“Having another left-hander is huge,” Mendoza said of the bullpen. “But he's one of our best starters and we ask him to make saves to clinch the wild-card series, and we ask him to come in the middle of the game and give us 50 pitches. That's a big reason why we won the first game.”
