Pete Alonso Painfully Takes Responsibility When Kodai Senga Sustains a Serious Injury

The New York Mets continued their dominant run in the National League on Thursday, securing their sixth consecutive win by edging out the Washington Nationals 4-3. But the celebration was tempered with concern, as ace pitcher Kodai Senga exited the game with a right hamstring injury. The Japanese star has been one of the most dominant arms in Major League Baseball this season and was widely considered a front-runner for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award.

Now, with Senga expected to hit the injured list, the Mets and their fans are left holding their breath — hoping this is just a minor bump in an otherwise stellar campaign.

Kodai Senga Leaves Game With Apparent Hamstring Injury

It was in the top of the sixth inning when the unsettling moment occurred. Senga had pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, one walk, and racking up five strikeouts, when a play at first base dramatically shifted the tone of the game.

First baseman Pete Alonso fielded a ground ball and made a high throw to Senga, who was sprinting to cover the bag. Senga leapt to snatch the throw, but upon landing, he immediately grabbed the back of his right leg and crumpled to the ground — clutching his hamstring in visible pain.

While Senga managed to walk off the field under his own power, the image of the Mets’ ace limping away shook the dugout and stunned fans.

Pete Alonso Takes Blame for Errant Throw

After the game, Pete Alonso took partial responsibility for the incident.

“It just sucks. It sucks to be involved in that,” Alonso said. “I feel awful for the throw. Even though [Senga] told me he felt the pull before he jumped for the ball, I still feel responsible.”

According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Senga was already feeling discomfort before making the jump, suggesting that the injury may have been imminent regardless of Alonso’s throw. Still, Alonso’s visible remorse is a testament to the camaraderie and pressure inside the Mets’ locker room during a playoff-contending season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza Confirms Strained Hamstring

Shortly after the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media and gave an update on Senga’s condition.

“Kodai Senga has a hamstring strain,” Mendoza confirmed. “He will go on the injured list. The severity is not yet known. We’ll have more information after tomorrow’s MRI.”

It’s a cautious but clear setback for a pitcher who had been putting together one of the best seasons in baseball.

Senga’s Dominant 2025 Season Cut Short — For Now

Before his injury, Kodai Senga had looked every bit the ace the Mets were hoping for when they signed him from Japan. He currently boasts a 7-3 record with an NL-best 1.47 ERA across 13 starts. In 73 2/3 innings pitched, Senga has tallied 70 strikeouts while walking just 31 and allowing only 51 hits.

With a WHIP under 1.00, Senga has established himself as not only the ace of the Mets’ staff but one of the most dominant pitchers in the entire league.

His unique arsenal, including the devastating “ghost forkball,” has baffled hitters across the National League. Analysts and fans alike have been drawing comparisons to the game’s greatest Japanese imports — including Yu Darvish, Hideo Nomo, and even Shohei Ohtani, at least from the mound.

A Painful Reminder of 2024’s Injury Woes

What makes this injury sting even more for Mets fans is the fact that 2024 was already a lost year for Senga due to injuries. He was limited to just one start in the regular season after battling a shoulder issue followed by a calf strain.

Though he returned in time for the Mets’ playoff run, his performance was far from ideal. In the NLCS, he allowed seven earned runs on six hits and seven walks in five innings pitched over three appearances.

Clearly not fully healthy, Senga struggled with command and velocity — a far cry from the poised dominator he was in 2023 and has been again in 2025.

A Rising Cy Young Favorite Before the Injury

Before Thursday’s game, Kodai Senga was beginning to receive serious NL Cy Young buzz. With top-tier ERA, elite command, and the Mets surging to the top of the NL East, many believed the 32-year-old was leading the race.

His primary competitors for the award — Zac Gallen, Max Fried, and Logan Webb — have had solid seasons, but Senga’s consistency and overpowering stuff were setting him apart.

Now, depending on the severity of the hamstring strain, his Cy Young chances may be put on hold — or derailed entirely.

What Does This Mean for the Mets?

The New York Mets are currently 45-24, comfortably leading the NL East. With six straight wins, the team looks like a World Series contender, powered by a lineup headlined by Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Pete Alonso, and a pitching rotation anchored by Senga.

But the absence of their ace could change that trajectory quickly. Without Senga, the Mets will need Jose Quintana, Tylor Megill, and David Peterson to step up, especially with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves lurking not far behind in the standings.

Will Senga Return This Season?

Whether Senga can return this summer depends entirely on the outcome of the MRI scan. Hamstring injuries vary in severity. A mild Grade 1 strain could sideline a pitcher for 2–4 weeks, while a more severe strain could mean six to eight weeks or even longer.

Given Senga’s injury history and the team’s investment in his long-term health, the Mets may choose to be cautious — especially if their lead in the division holds.

Fan Reactions: Concern and Support Flood Social Media

As news of Senga’s injury spread, Mets fans took to social media in droves, expressing a mix of concern and encouragement.

“Senga has been our MVP this year. This hurts — praying it’s nothing serious,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“We can’t lose him again. Not when he was pitching like a Cy Young winner,” another posted.

Some fans also applauded Alonso for owning up to his role in the play, reinforcing the tight-knit nature of this Mets squad.

A Nightmare Scenario for a Dream Season

If Senga is forced to miss a significant amount of time, it could mark a turning point in what had been a dream season for the Mets. They’ve built momentum, rediscovered clubhouse chemistry, and finally seem to have the pieces in place after several disappointing years.

The team’s front office now faces tough decisions as the trade deadline approaches. If Senga’s injury lingers, could the Mets look to acquire another frontline starter?

Names like Shane Bieber, Lucas Giolito, or even Marcus Stroman could surface if the team decides to reinforce their rotation for a postseason push.

Final Thoughts: Senga’s Injury Is a Gut Punch, but the Mets Must Push Forward

Kodai Senga’s injury is a painful setback not only for him personally but for a Mets organization hoping to end a World Series drought that dates back to 1986. While the full extent of the damage remains unknown, one thing is clear — this team cannot afford to lose its ace for long.

The hope now rests on favorable MRI results and a speedy recovery. The Mets are in prime position to make a deep postseason run, but their path will be significantly more difficult without their Japanese superstar leading the charge.

For now, the Mets and their fans wait — and hope.