Carlos Mendoza explains Mets' 'wait' with Kodai Senga after RHP returns for Game 1 of the NLDS

The Mets are in wait-and-see mode with Ace Kodai SengaHe was available for the playoffs after scoring 18 hits on 31 pitches as an opener in Saturday's 6-2 NLDS Game 1 win at the Philadelphia Phillies, his first appearance since returning from the 60-day injured list. trainer Carlos Mendoza explained Sunday.

“We have to wait not only today but also tomorrow,” Mendoza said before Game 2. “We will have a better idea and see where we are. And hopefully he continues to feel good and he continues to feel good. “A player for us moving forward, but he was a good sign last night. I think we not only have to wait today, but also get through tomorrow when he plays catch to have a better idea.

Senga scored one run on a hit, a solo home run Kyle Schwarber early in the game while striking out three and drawing a walk in his first start since July 26.

The Mets are expected to start right-handed hitter Luis Severino next, followed by left-handed Sean Manaea for Game 3 on Tuesday at Citi Field, in the best-of-five series.

“You have to stay true to your strength,” Mendoza said of Severino’s fastball reliability and overall strategy. “And whether it’s his fastball — the two-seam or the four-seam — the most important thing is that he gets forward and he has to stay in the offense. This is going to be an aggressive team, and they are. “I think he has to not only have a really good plan, but he has to execute it.”