As the Mets try to piece together their best rotation down the stretch, they have not yet committed to Kodai Senga making his next start in the Majors.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Mets are considering asking Senga to accept an optional Minor League assignment. The right-hander would have to consent to such a decision, according to his contract. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported Wednesday that the Mets will know by Friday if Senga is willing to accept a Minors assignment.
Manager Carlos Mendoza didn't specify if the Mets had presented Senga with the Minor League option, but he noted, "Everything's on the table. ... We all know he's going to have to give us consent if that's the case."
It’s the latest turn in a disappointing stretch for Senga, an All-Star in 2023 who pitched like an ace through his first 13 starts of the season, with a 1.47 ERA. But Senga strained his hamstring in mid-June while covering first base and hasn’t been the same since.
Since returning from the IL on July 11, Senga has pitched to a 5.90 ERA in nine starts, without completing six innings in any outing. He allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings in his last start on Sunday. The Mets have lost in four of Senga's last five starts.
The Mets are currently using a six-man rotation, with Senga’s next start theoretically falling on Sunday -- the finale of New York’s critical three-game series against the Reds, one of the few teams with a chance to catch the Mets for a Wild Card spot. Entering play on Wednesday, New York held a five-game lead over Cincinnati in the standings.
Senga’s struggles are just a part of the Mets’ rotation woes. Left-hander Sean Manaea -- the ace of last year’s staff -- has a 5.60 ERA after missing the first half of the season with an oblique injury. David Peterson, an All-Star, has a 7.56 ERA over his last five starts.
But rookies Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong, two of the organization’s top pitching prospects, have provided much-needed reinforcements. McLean is 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA through his first four MLB starts, after another impressive outing on Tuesday. Together, they’ve changed the unit's short-term complexion — perhaps allowing the Mets flexibility with Senga, too.
Following a stretch of 16 consecutive days with a game, the Mets will have an off-day on Thursday, allowing them to rejuggle their rotation how they see fit.
“I’m working my tail off to get back to that,” Senga said Sunday through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “And it’s as simple as: If I’m able to do it, we’re in the postseason and I’m pitching out there. And if I’m not able to, then there’s no spot for me to pitch.”