PHILADELPHIA The Mets will look to a ghost from their past to get this NLDS started in the right manner on Saturday. In a surprise move, Kodai Senga was named Friday as the Mets starting pitcher for Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Post had reported a day earlier that the Japanese right-hander was in the conversation for a roster spot this postseason round. Senga has pitched only 5 / innings for the Mets this season and was . But following a live batting practice se sion in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in recent days and a Luis Robert Jr. Jersey subsequent bullpen se sion, he alerted team officials that he felt ready to contribute. I am definitely feeling good physically and able to control all my pitches, Senga said through his interpreter. Theres a line inside myself. If I can pa s that threshold, Im ready for a good weekend. Projected Mets and Phillies lineups for Game 1. Explore More Senga, with his ghost forkball all the rage, finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting last year with a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 166 / innings, but was shut down almost immediately after reporting to spring training this season with a right shoulder strain. Sengas season debut didnt occur until July 26, but that took two months to rehab. We always had hopes, manager Carlos Mendoza said. But its been the whole year, and what made us feel comfortable with this decision was that he was the one wanting the baseball. And I think the only time we had that situation was when he faced the Braves [in July]. Were pretty comfortable and excited to go and watch him pitch [Saturday]. Mets officials were elusive about how deep into the game Senga might be allowed to work, but he is likely facing a 1-2 inning appearance as an opener. Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the Mets. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Senga was scheduled to throw 35 pitches in his last rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse that was abbreviated by the triceps tightne s. But Senga wouldnt say how deep into the game he might be comfortable going. Im all in for whatever, Senga said. If they say 10 pitches, Im all-in for 10 pitches. If they say 200, Im in for 200. The Mets will have options for long relief behind Senga, including David Peterson and Tylor Megill (the latter of whom Mendoza acknowledged would be on the roster after he was excluded in the last round). Mendoza announced Luis Severino as the Game 2 starter. Peterson recorded the save Thursday with a scorele s ninth inning in Milwaukee in the 4-2 victory that clinched the NL Wild Card Series. Peterson said he was surprised to find out Senga would be starting the NLDS opener. I think everybody is glad to have him back, especially kind of the way the first time around this season went with him and only having him for the one start, Peterson said. Its another elite arm we have at our disposal and I am excited to watch him compete. Mendoza said discu sions about Senga potentially pitching in the NLDS began before Wednesdays Game 2 in Milwaukee, but the Mets had to concentrate on winning that series before getting too serious about the Phillies. We listened to what he needed to say, Mendoza said. It wasnt an easy decision before we talked to him. He put it out there for us and then that is when we started, OK, whats it going to look like? And then talking to him face to face [Friday], he makes us feel really good about it. Adam Laroche Jersey