{"id":196166,"date":"2025-09-03T06:50:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T06:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/196166\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T06:50:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T06:50:15","slug":"as-mets-mull-next-move-with-kodai-senga-an-optional-demotion-could-be-on-the-table","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/196166\/","title":{"rendered":"As Mets mull next move with Kodai Senga, an optional demotion could be on the table"},"content":{"rendered":"

DETROIT \u2014 Rookie sensation Nolan McLean demonstrated again on Tuesday that he\u2019s capable of leading the New York Mets\u2019 starting rotation through September and beyond, if they\u2019re playing in the postseason.<\/p>\n

In that regard, the Mets are fortunate. Such a role once belonged to Kodai Senga. But since returning from the injured list in July, Senga has pitched so poorly that the Mets are noncommittal about his next start.<\/p>\n

With Senga, the Mets are considering a few possibilities, including potentially asking him to accept an optional minor-league assignment, people familiar with their thinking said. Senga, however, may not be assigned to the minors without his consent, according to his contract.<\/p>\n

Senga said Tuesday night that he is willing to do whatever it takes for him to get better and help the team.<\/p>\n

As of Tuesday, the Mets were still discussing all options.<\/p>\n

A potential demotion because of poor performance would present a significant fall for Senga, who finished runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year and was an All-Star in 2023. After pitching in just one regular season game in 2024, he initially looked strong in 2025, producing a 1.39 ERA through his first 14 outings. He has posted a 6.56 ERA in 35 2\/3 innings since then, however, and while he offers high-end potential, the Mets possess other options in David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Jonah Tong and McLean, with prospect Brandon Sproat also lingering in Triple A.<\/p>\n

The Mets\u2019 rotation beyond the next few days is up in the air. Holmes is set to pitch against the Tigers in the series final Wednesday. The Mets are off Thursday. Peterson is scheduled to start Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, with the rookie Tong likely to follow Saturday. Senga\u2019s next turn would line up as Sunday.<\/p>\n

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Senga, who was named an All-Star in his debut season, has struggled in his age-32 season. (Kent J. Edwards \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

But Senga hasn\u2019t completed six innings in a start since June 6. The Mets need to get him right while also helping Sean Manaea (5.60 ERA) rediscover his form.<\/p>\n

When asked ahead of Tuesday\u2019s game to clarify whether Senga and Manaea are in the Mets\u2019 rotation, manager Carlos Mendoza said, \u201cThey are until they are not. \u2026 We haven\u2019t made any decisions yet. We are going to be flexible and we\u2019re going to take advantage of off days and continue to have those discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mets officials entered the year believing that Senga and Manaea could provide a 1-2 punch atop New York\u2019s rotation. How untenable would the situation be if not for McLean?<\/p>\n

The Mets, who hold a five-game lead over the Reds for the final wild-card spot, can afford to skip Senga\u2019s next start or give him time in the minor leagues, in part, because of the way McLean has performed. Through just four starts, he has assumed the role of frontline pitcher.<\/p>\n

McLean\u2019s latest gem provided another encouraging sign. In the Mets\u2019 12-5 win over the Tigers on Tuesday, he once again resembled a veteran, struggling early only to find his way and dominate against a team that entered the game with the best record in the American League.<\/p>\n