Next steps for Mets after Kodai Senga’s uncertain injury: ‘We’ll attack it’ [UPDATE]

UPDATE 6:14 pm: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Friday that Paul Blackburn is available out of the bullpen tonight and will be slotted into the rotation to start next Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.

NEW YORK — Mets fans celebrated at Citi Field on Thursday when starting pitcher Kodai Senga darted over to first base to nab the second out of the sixth inning.

But the buzz quickly grew quiet after the starter collapsed on the ground and grabbed his right leg in pain.

With one out in the top of the sixth, Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams hit a grounder to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Running to cover the bag, Senga reached up to grab a high toss from Alonso, touching the base with his right foot while in motion. Senga tumbled forward a few steps and grabbed his right hamstring before he fell to the ground. The 32-year-old sat with trainers for about a minute before walking off the field on his own without a limp.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters after the 4-3 win that Senga is heading to the injured list with a hamstring strain and will undergo an MRI on Friday.

The Mets will call up Max Kranick from Triple A, according to reports, and they will likely slide Paul Blackburn back into the rotation. When asked about using Blackburn, Mendoza said the right-hander will be available out of the bullpen for their next series against the Rays, and that they “will go from there.”

Before his exit, Senga gave up just one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless innings while recording five strikeouts. He retired 17 of the 19 batters he faced.

“We feel for [Senga], but nobody’s going to feel sorry for us,” Mendoza said. “We’ve got people coming, and the guys that are healthy now, they will continue to step up.”

Right-hander Frankie Montas (lat) will make his fifth rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. It’s possible that he could be ready for a recall after that, but it still may not be his final rehab start.

It’s unclear when left-hander Sean Manaea (right oblique) will make his next rehab start, though Mendoza told reporters this week that the plan is for him to pitch on Sunday.

Senga missed all but one start last season, first dealing with arm injuries that delayed his season debut until July 26, when he made his first appearance and subsequently suffered a season-ending calf injury.

“He’s obviously frustrated,” Mendoza said of Senga. “But I told him he’s going to be back and he’s going to be an important role, important part of this team, when he gets back. The main thing is waiting for the results, see what we’re dealing with here, and we’ll attack it.”

The total for Friday’s Mets versus Rays game is set at 8 over on DraftKings. Our DraftKings Sportsbook review shows you how to sign up and use their app.

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Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com.