Mets’ Kodai Senga taking modest approach regarding ‘ace’ label

PORT ST. LUCIE — Kodai Senga chose modesty over bravado on Wednesday when asked about wearing the “ace” label for the Mets’ starting rotation this season.

“I think the fact I am getting these types of questions might mean that some people might think of me that way,” the Japanese right-hander said through his interpreter following the first official workout for pitchers and catchers at Clover Park. “But that was the result of me just staying healthy and running healthy through the season last year. And I plan to do no different 1707997979 … and we’ll see what happens.”

As a rookie Senga was insulated as last season began by Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander in a rotation that was expected to carry the Mets back to the playoffs.

But with the team struggling, both former three-time Cy Young award winners were dealt at the trade deadline, leaving Senga to lead the rotation.

He didn’t disappoint, finishing 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts, with 202 strikeouts in 166 ¹/₃ innings.

That output was good enough to place Senga second in the NL Rookie of the Year balloting.

Expectations will remain high for Senga, especially after the Mets failed to land a top-of-the-rotation pitcher in free agency.

The Mets took their best shot on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, offering $325 million over 12 years, but the Japanese ace instead signed with the Dodgers for the same contract.

Did Senga (who might be a bargain on a five-year contract worth $75 million) think the Mets had a good shot at landing Yamamoto?

“It was hard to say whether he was coming to the Mets or not, but it was all over the news that he was meeting with a bunch of different teams and I am happy that he made the best decision for himself and hope for the best for him,” Senga said.

Shohei Ohtani also signed with the Dodgers, bringing the game’s most-celebrated player into the National League. Senga was asked about the Dodgers’ formidability given the two big acquisitions.

“With them being in the same National League and not only [Ohtani and Yamamoto], they have a star-studded team, so I just need to make sure I perform at the highest level to beat them,” Senga said.

The Mets last season mostly pitched Senga on extended rest, helping him acclimate from Japan. It’s a tactic the team could use again this season, with a sixth starter sometimes added when the Mets play long stretches without an off day.

Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser sit behind Senga in the rotation, with Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi and Jose Butto among the available depth options.

Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Senga was successful largely on a schedule last season in which he received extra rest between starts.

“But he also took the ball when the team asked him to take the ball,” Mendoza said. “I think this is something … we’ll see where we are on the schedule, what we have bullpen-wise. There is a lot that goes into decision-making. But in the end it’s about putting Senga in the best position to have success and help the team win.”

Senga’s stated goal is to improve his home/road splits this season.

Last season he pitched to a 2.42 ERA in his 16 starts at Citi Field. On the road, he posted a 3.68 ERA in 13 starts.

Travel, according to Senga, might have played a role in getting his body out of sync. In a smaller country such as Japan, travel isn’t as extensive.

“One thing that really made me struggle was the walks and unnecessary balls,” Senga said. “I definitely want to cut down on that and I know the hitters now, coming into my second year.”

Senga’s weapon of choice is the “ghost fork” — a pitch he threw 23.8 percent of the time last season, according to Statcast, and opponents hit .110 against. But Senga wants to improve with the pitch.

“I threw a lot less fastballs last year compared to the year prior,” Senga said. “So making sure all my pitches are ‘A’ tier or better and also the forkball is obviously my best pitch and all the hitters know it. I need to make sure I throw a forkball that is even better than they expect.”