Kodai Senga's solid return presents an interesting NLDS possibility

PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies have seen a ghost and, if it comes to that, they might see it again.

Kodai Senga pitched a mesmerizing two innings in Saturday's 6-2 NLDS-opening win over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, allowing one loud run but otherwise looking like his usual self.

The question will arise as to whether Senga will continue to be spontaneously utilized to capacity – in games of breathtaking size.

After throwing 31 mostly effective pitches in his return from a calf strain in July and triceps soreness that occurred on Sept. 21, Senga has emerged as an enticing prospect for the Mets.

They used Senga as an opener with two frames to get the ball to David Peterson, Reed Garrett, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek for a clear win.

“This puts me in a position where I might be ready for a future game,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara.

Could he pitch again in this series — perhaps on his usual five days of rest on Friday, with a potential Game 5 coming up?

“When they call me, I just prepare to pitch that day,” Senga said, referring to the Mets, who sounded impressed.

Senga recovered from a threatening start and delivered a leadoff bomb to Kyle Schwarber on his third pitch of the game.

The Phillies slugger destroyed the fastball in the middle of the plate halfway up the second deck to right to spark a party in the sellout crowd.

“It was an unfortunate pitch. I wish I could take it back,” said Senga, who didn’t have as many regrets about the other 30 he threw.

He used the Ghost Forkball to take out Trea Turner and JT Realmuto. A sharp slider was used to get Nick Castellanos swinging.

The Schwarber bomb was the only hit Senga allowed in an outing in which he scored. His velocity was down slightly, but he reached 97 mph with his fastball.

“He was really good,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “The fact that we got 97 (mph) out of him and then just the side pitches. His split was really good, the slider was good.”

The Mets turn to Luis Severino for Game 2. The best choice would be Sean Manaea for Game 3 and, if necessary, Jose Quintana for Game 4.

Maybe for a theoretical Game 5 they would switch to Peterson, who pitched three scoreless innings in relief.

Maybe Tylor Megill would be dusted.

Or perhaps Senga could get up to 45-50 pitches and try to go three or four innings in this third start of an injury-plagued year.

“He’s a big part of us,” Jose Iglesias said. “We’re going to need him.”