Mets’ Kodai Senga tosses two innings in return to mound during NLDS Game 1 against Phillies

The Mets didn’t really know what to expect as Kodai Senga made his return to the mound against the Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday afternoon, but they certainly have to happy with the effort they received.

The right-hander was jumped on early as he allowed a monstrous leadoff homer to Kyle Schwarber on just the third pitch he threw in the bottom of the first, but he settled in nicely after that.

Senga issued a one out walk to Bryce Harper a few batters later, but he picked up a pair of strikeouts to help him work his way through the rest of the opening frame without further damage.

He returned to the mound for a second inning of work as expected, and he picked up right where he left off, picking up another punch out to help him finish his afternoon with an easy perfect frame.

The right-hander allowed just the one run on one hit while walking one and striking out three, but most importantly, he was able to stretch out to 31 pitches and he topped out at 97 mph with his fastball.

As long as he comes back healthy during his recovery, Senga would likely be able to toss at least three innings if this series were to come down to a win-or-go home Game 5.