Until Wednesday, the Mets didn't even know if Kodai Senga could start the series finale against the Diamondbacks.
Their ace became the latest player to navigate the virus, and he needed an IV “a few days ago” before throwing a bullpen session, and another Thursday before starting.
But by the time Senga came out, he had created the latest example of the issue and continued to reduce promising start with the Mets rotation.
His numbers were 4-2 loss to Diamondback on paper with five hits, one run and six strikeouts, just as the Mets starters have the best combination era in baseball (2.24).
However, his pitch count was ballooned to 87 by the end of the four innings, failing to deepen or facilitate his taxed bullpen workload.
“It's not great,” Senga said of how he felt.
Senga's outing began with six strikeouts in the first three frames, but he more than doubled his pitch count after six outs (28) in three innings of that 29 pitch.
Then, fourth, Senga allowed him to run with Alek Thomas' RBI singles, but he forced Corbin Carroll to pop out on a loaded base to finish the frame.
Senga escaped from the forkball and instead chose a sinker against the left-handed, coach Carlos Mendoza said, and the Diamondbacks said “I let him work.”
Senga walked just three batters, but nine of his last 13 batters forced the count with at least two balls.
After the sixth start of the season, the rhythm and flow from consecutive 14-pitch frames evaporated, even as his ERA rose slightly from 1.26 to 1.38.
“We couldn't get the length from them, especially recently,” Mendoza said. “And you want four or five innings from your bullpen every day.
At some point during the season, Mendoza said the Mets will get some length from going out.
However, the starter pitched over five innings (Tyler Megill) since Senga's previous start on April 25th with the Nationals.
On Thursday, even their ace couldn't stop the trend of concern.
“They haven't gotten deep into the game,” Mendoza said of his starter.
