Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber had a candid reaction upon learning that the New York Mets plan to start Kodai Senga in Game 1 of the NLDS. The Mets’ decision to go with the Japanese right-hander, known for his devastating “ghost forkball,” raised eyebrows across the league, and Schwarber didn’t shy away from offering his thoughts.
Senga, who joined the Mets in 2023, has been a force on the mound with his arsenal of pitches. His unique forkball, which dives out of the strike zone at the last moment, has baffled hitters throughout the season. Despite the challenge, Schwarber seemed both excited and cautious about facing Senga in the postseason.
“We’ve seen what Senga can do,” Schwarber said with a grin. “That ghost forkball of his is no joke. But we’ve prepared for this. It’s October baseball, and you’ve got to be ready for anything.”
Schwarber, who has earned a reputation for stepping up in big moments, emphasized the importance of preparation. “We’ll study his tendencies and make sure we’re not caught off guard. Every guy on this team knows what’s at stake.”
Facing Senga won’t be easy, especially with the way the Mets have relied on him as a key piece of their rotation. But Schwarber’s confidence in his team’s ability to adjust was clear.
“It’s about sticking to our plan,” Schwarber concluded. “If we execute, we can handle anyone.”
The Phillies will hope Schwarber’s optimism translates into on-field success, as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. All eyes are now on Game 1, with Senga’s ghost forkball looming large.
