Kodai Senga Hits 99 MPH In Solid Start For New York Mets Wednesday

Kodai Senga may be known for his "ghost forkball," but it was his fastball that was on full display Wednesday.

Senga toed the rubber for New York against the Houston Astros, and touched 99 mph on his fastball while throwing his fork just once.

In four innings, the Japanese import and one of the newest Mets punched out three hitters, yielded two runs on two hits and scattered three walks. He threw 58 total pitches.

Two of the three walks came in the fifth inning before Senga was pulled in favor of Jimmy Yacabonis, who allowed both runners to score.

So far this spring, Senga has pitched in three games (nine innings), has struck out 10 hitters and has walked five.

Senga looked much more comfortable out on the hill today, as you can see in the video below:

Like most pitchers, Senga had a hard time adjusting to the pitch clock during his first Spring Training start this year, though as time goes on, it will become second nature to most.

The 29-year-old then dealt with a minor finger issue, though he returned last week and pitched again today, so that issue seems to be behind him.

Senga figures to play an important role in the Mets rotation this year after signing a five-year, $75 million deal with New York after pitching 11 seasons in Japan.

With rotation mate José Quintana on the shelf for the next several months, it's important for the Mets other starters to step up and give the team quality innings.

On paper, though, they seem to be in good shape, especially at the top of the rotation with Senga, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

With only four Spring Training games left, Senga's next live game will likely come in Miami when the Mets open the regular season next week.

Read More:

- Mets Option Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A

- Francisco Lindor on Edwin Diaz Injury: 'I Couldn't Stop Crying'

- Mets Reliever David Robertson on Pitch Clock: ‘Get rid of it’

Follow Rob Piersall on Twitter (@RTPiersall), be sure to bookmark Inside The Mets and check back daily for news, analysis and more.