Mets' Senga likely out for rest of regular season with calf strain

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a "high grade" left calf strain during his first start of the year on Friday, manager Carlos Mendoza announced, according to Newsday's Tim Healey.

"Tough news, obviously," Mendoza said, per SNY. "(It's) hard to put a timetable here, but I think it's fair to say that he's pretty much done for the regular season."

Mendoza did note that it's possible Senga will be able to pitch in the playoffs if the Mets get there, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

Senga seemed in pain while grabbing his left leg as he chased a pop-up in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves. The 31-year-old was making his 2024 debut after missing the first half of the season with a shoulder injury.

An MRI taken Saturday confirmed the severity of the injury.

Senga was sharp before exiting, allowing a pair of runs on two hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. He averaged 95.8 mph on his fastball and racked up 12 swinging strikes, including five with his patented forkball.

Senga is in the second season of a five-year, $75-million contract. He had an excellent debut campaign in 2023, making the All-Star Game and finishing runner-up in NL Rookie of the Year voting.