New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Kodai Senga not worried about notoriously tough Phillies fans

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated Oct 5, 2024 10:19 AM ET

Philadelphia sports fans have a reputation. They are notoriously raucous towards opposing players and fans and lean into what they view as their role. But New York Mets ace Kodai Senga, who will start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, isn’t concerned.

Not only is Senga unbothered by the potentially hostile atmosphere, but, like Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly before him, he’s looking forward to it.

Kodai Senga smiles when asked about dealing with a raucous Philadelphia crowd at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow:

"I'm looking forward to it." pic.twitter.com/jg43YRlMnj

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) October 4, 2024

That smile tells you everything you need to know.

Of course, part of Senga’s smile is likely due to the mere fact that he’s pitching at all. He missed four months of the season as the result of a shoulder injury and, upon his return in July, suffered a calf injury in his first game back and hasn’t played since.

When the Mets announced Senga would be their Game 1 starter against the Phillies, it came as a shock to most.

What better way to get back into the thick of things than a playoff start against the Phillies in Philadelphia? Although Senga should be careful about what he wishes for because a riled up Philly crowd is tough to navigate.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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