Kodai Senga made a bittersweet return from a shoulder injury, dominating the game to record his 100th career win, but was forced to leave the New York Mets’ game against the Atlanta Braves on Friday with an injury.
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga holds his left calf in pain during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York on July 26, 2024. (Kyodo News)
Senga, who injured his shoulder during spring training, gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings at Citi Field in New York. In the top of the Braves’ sixth inning, Senga was trying to avoid a pop fly behind the mound when he collapsed to the turf, clutching his left calf.
The 31-year-old right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since the start of the season, allowed two hits, including a two-run homer in the second inning, but played well the rest of the way, striking out nine, walking one and allowing just one hit.
J.D. Martinez hit a grand slam in the top of the Mets’ seven-run third inning to give New York the decisive lead.
Senga won 87 games in the Japanese major leagues with the SoftBank Hawks last year before becoming the Mets’ top starter, compiling a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the injury appears to be a calf strain, but Senga will undergo an MRI on Saturday.

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga will face the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York on July 26, 2024. (Kyodo)
“I don’t want to see it,” Mendoza said. “He was really impressive — fastball, pitch control, splitter. He was dominant today. With everything he’s been through this year, I don’t want to see him lose like that.”
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