An important starter for the New York Mets is now dealing with an injury.

Kodai Senga was forced out of Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals after getting hurt while covering first base.

After Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams grounded the ball towards the right side of the infield, first baseman Pete Alonso grabbed the ball, and Senga ran towards the bag. Alonso’s throw to Senga was high, and the right-hander had to leap up to catch the ball, then stretch his leg to make sure he beat the runner.

While Abrams was out, Senga fell hard to the ground in obvious pain and appeared to be grabbing his right hamstring. After speaking with trainers, he was able to get to his feet and walk to the dugout.

Senga had been cruising in the start, allowing just one hit and one walk in 5 2/3 innings before the injury. For the season, the 30-year-old has a 6-3 record with a 1.59 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 12 starts entering play Thursday.

Left-hander José Castillo replaced Senga on the mound for the Mets.