When asked about carrying the designation of “ace” for the Mets starting rotation this season on Wednesday, Kodai Senga opted for modesty over swagger.
“After the first official workout for pitchers and catchers at Clover Park, I think the fact that I am getting these kinds of questions might mean that some people might think of me that way,” the right-hander from Japan remarked through his translator. However, “I simply ran and stayed healthy throughout the season last year, which is what led to that outcome. And from now on, I intend to act in the same way. and we will monitor the situation.”
Senga was protected as a rookie by Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer at the start of the previous year, a rotation that was supposed to lead the Mets back to the postseason.
Senga was left to head the rotation after the team’s struggles led to the trade deadline, when both of the previous three-time Cy Young award winners were dealt.
He performed admirably, going 12-7 in 29 starts with a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 166 ³/₃ innings.
Senga finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting with that performance.