The significance of today’s NY Mets game and what the results could mean

Today’s finale against the San Francisco Giants is significant for the New York Mets, not so much for the standings, but for what they do next. Kodai Senga is starting on 4 days rest. The insanity!

It’ll be only the fifth time in his MLB career throwing on 4 days rest. A 5.09 ERA in those limited opportunities, a disaster on the mound can result in some significant changes to the structure of the roster. An excellent or average outing from him could have them cruising with a business as usual type of attitude.

Off-days on April 16, 20, and 27 will help Senga get 5 days off between starts for the rest of the month. Only a rainout could throw a wrench in the team’s plans, likely solved by finally giving Sean Manaea a start, calling upon Tobias Myers to work as an opener/starter, or summoning minor league depth for a spot start.

What it could mean if Kodai Senga is really bad today

If Senga performs poorly, it’s probably the last time we see him start on 4 days rest. The Mets have the ammunition to avoid starting him on normal rest. Why waste his outings?

The Mets can’t put all of their stock in how today goes. How bad it goes, when he breaks down, and how he looks in terms of velocity and whatnot will play a factor. Not all bad starts with the same final line are built the same.

A bad outing today and the Mets are going to need to be more cautious moving forward with their usage of Manaea and Myers. They’ll need one, probably Manaea, well-prepared for Senga’s next time on the mound.

What it could mean if Kodai Senga is really good or just himself today

Senga can always dismiss the idea that he needs 5 days off between starts. A good start raising more puzzling questions for the Mets. What significance does Manaea have? Better yet, is there someone else he should piggyback behind instead?

Having Manaea and Myers both in the bullpen as longmen but not in mop-up duty is unusual. Each has helped finish a game against the San Francisco Giants and save Carlos Mendoza from actually making bullpen decisions late.

A six-man rotation is tough to navigate regardless of how the rest of the roster looks because of the limited bodies. The Mets, with few optional relievers on board, have it tougher. Senga looking sharp today might already eliminate any need for Manaea to be routinely ready to come in behind him each start. For the lefty hurler relegated to bullpen duties this year, it’ll put his exact role in question. Maybe he’s simply a good choice for more unexpected appearances both in high and low-leverage spots. An injury is inevitable and regardless of how hard he’s throwing, Manaea is probably going to be the first to seize a start.

The Mets don't have the need (or room) for a permanent six-man rotation. As many questions as a strong outing from Senga will raise, the Mets will take the unknown questions that arise over the dizziness of what a bad one will create.