Kodai Senga opens up on his how 2024 frustration can help Mets win World Series

Amazin’s ace Kodai Senga takes a timeout for some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby, with the help of expert translator Hiro Fujiwara.Q: What is it like on the mound watching the ghost forkball do what it does?A: The big thing is, I’m hoping that the pitch does what it does and moves like it does.And if it doesn’t, I look at the hitter and know where I can and can’t throw it, and try to minimize the mistakes.

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.Q: Your approach sounds as if it is scientific on the mound.A: I think you’re right.

I like to look at the data, I like to think about, “OK, if I do this and then this and then this,” then I should be able to get the hitter out.Q: What was last year like emotionally for you?A: It was a tough year, a lot of frustration, an injury after an injury after another injury, I couldn’t catch a break even though I was being very careful with everything from baseball activities to day-to-day life, I still wasn’t able to get back on the field.But during that time, I was able to learn a lot about my body and about how a lot of things work so that I can prevent things moving forward and that I can stay on the field and put up good numbers 2025 forward.Q: Why do you think the best is yet to come?A: I think what’s important is I’m constantly striving to be the best.

I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, I don’t know if I’ll ever be content with where I am, but I’m always striving to be the best.It’s not like I’m putting up super-dominant numbers, it’s not like I’m striking everybody out and not letting anybody on base.

There’s a lot of work to be done, so I’m constantly striving to get there.Q: Describe your mound mentality.A: I’m just very focused on what I can control and what I can do out on the mound.That starts with what type of hitter are they, what type of pitches can they hit, at...