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Kodai Senga on the field injured.

The New York Mets are one of the most impressive teams through 69 games this season for several reasons. Among the biggest reasons is the great pitching unit, led by three-time NPB All-Star selection in pitcher Kodai Senga.

Senga is having one of the best seasons in the entire league and has helped the Mets establish the top-pitch team in ERA (2.82). Much like last season, Senga accounted for an injury that stalled his stellar season.

Mets’ Kodai Senga Out For A While

Senga was nearly through with six innings on Thursday’s 4-3 series finale win over the Washington Nationals when he encountered a hamstring injury. He suffered his injury while trying to grab a high throw from New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. He was able to walk off on his power, but he is out for some time.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza talked about Senga’s injury and how it was a tough factor in their season last year.

“It’s hard for me to speculate, but obviously we know he’s going to be down. As soon as he goes down like that, he grabs the hamstring — we saw it last year, unfortunately. But we’ve got to wait till tomorrow and see what we’re dealing with here.”

Senga allowed one hit and one walk while delivering five strikeouts in the game against the Nationals. That is the type of performance that the Mets will be missing forward for some time. In 13 games and 73.2 innings played, Senga has allowed 51 hits, 12 runs, and 31 walks. He has delivered 70 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.47.

While there are other impressive starting pitchers the Mets can rely on like David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Huascar Brazoban, they are going to see a huge decrease in efficiency without Senaga. They will also be looking for a reliable fifth starting pitcher.

Senga will be required to miss at least 15 days due to being on the IL since it is a hamstring issue.  Outfielder Brandon Nimmo talked about how he will be forced to step away from a red-hot Mets team with an injured hamstring.

“He’s pitching so amazing and he’s working so hard, you hate to see him go down. You just feel for him, knowing it’s a hamstring.”

Mets Forced to Move Forward Without Kodai Senga

The New York Mets are calling up right-hander Max Kranick after the injury to Senga. Kranick is a temporary solution for the Mets’ elite pitching team, as he has accumulated a season ERA of 3.51 in 22 appearances as a relief pitcher.

The Mets currently have the best record in Major League Baseball, with the Detroit Tigers right on their heels. They are also 5.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the race for the NL East Divisional title, who are also serious NLCS contenders.

They are going to have to face a series of challenges with Senga out, and that is before he undergoes an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. The team will have to take their time to get their star pitcher back to 100 percent because they can’t afford to have their playoff worth tarnished.

Michael Hanich I am a long-time sports writer currently based in Mobile, Alabama. I have been making NFL Mock Drafts since I was 13 and continue to this day. Husband and father to a toddler and a pug. More about Michael Hanich