New York Mets Send Kodai Senga to Triple-A Following Series of Poor Starts

News">
September 5, 2025

Mets Option Pitcher Senga to Triple-A, Reinstate Catcher Alvarez

New York – In a notable roster move ahead of a critical three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Mets have optioned struggling pitcher Kodai Senga to their Triple-A affiliate, the syracuse Mets.Simultaneously, the team has reactivated catcher Francisco Alvarez from the 10-day injured list, injecting a vital offensive piece back into the lineup.

Senga’s Demotion and Future Outlook

The decision regarding Senga comes after a period of diminished performance following his return from a hamstring injury in July. While the 32-year-old right-hander showed considerable promise early in the season – even earning an All-Star selection and finishing as a Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2023 – his recent outings have been largely ineffective. Currently, Senga holds a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA across 22 appearances.

According to Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, the move was a collaborative decision aimed at benefiting both the team and the player. Stearns emphasized Senga’s adherence to a strict routine and the belief that a change in role wasn’t the optimal solution. Senga himself expressed a desire to regain his form and contribute effectively.

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Senga will focus on bullpen sessions before making his next start with Syracuse, potentially next weekend. The team’s plan following his time in Triple-A remains undetermined.

Alvarez Returns from Injury

Francisco Alvarez’s return offers a boost to the Mets’ offense. The catcher has been sidelined as August 17th, after sustaining a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb during a game against the Seattle Mariners. Despite the injury ultimately requiring surgery, alvarez demonstrated determination to play through the remainder of the season.

His rehabilitation was briefly intricate by a fracture in his left pinkie after being hit by a pitch during a minor league rehab assignment. However, Alvarez resumed training and is now considered ready to contribute. Stearns lauded Alvarez’s commitment to remaining active despite the severity of his injuries.

Roster Adjustments and Playoff Implications

To accommodate Alvarez’s return, the Mets optioned hayden Senger to Triple-A. Additionally,right-hander Wander Suero has joined the team after being acquired off waivers from the Atlanta Braves,bolstering the bullpen. Right-handed reliever Reed garrett has been assigned to Double-A Binghamton for a rehabilitation assignment.

As of Friday, the Mets maintain a four-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the final National League wild Card spot and a five-game advantage over Cincinnati. The team is aiming for a postseason berth, and these roster adjustments highlight their commitment to strengthening their position.

Key Roster Moves

Player	Action	Destination
Kodai Senga	Optioned to	triple-A syracuse
Francisco Alvarez	Reinstated from	10-day IL
Hayden Senger	Optioned to	Triple-A Syracuse
Wander Suero	Added from	Atlanta Braves (waivers)
Reed Garrett	Rehab Assignment to	Double-A Binghamton

Did You Know? The Mets needed Senga’s explicit consent to send him to the minor leagues due to a clause in his contract,showcasing the unusual nature of this roster move.

Pro Tip: monitoring player performance post-injury is crucial for teams aiming for a deep playoff run. Strategic roster management can significantly impact a team’s chances of success.

What impact will Senga’s time in Triple-A have on his performance upon his return? Will alvarez’s return to the lineup provide the offensive spark the Mets need to secure a playoff berth?

Understanding MLB Roster Management

MLB teams constantly adjust their rosters based on player performance, injuries, and strategic needs. Optioning a player to Triple-A allows the team to evaluate talent,provide playing time for development,and create roster space for other players. These decisions are often complex and involve careful consideration of both short-term and long-term objectives.

The use of waivers in acquiring players like Wander Suero is a common practice, allowing teams to add depth and address specific weaknesses. Rehabilitation assignments for injured players,such as Reed Garrett,provide a controlled surroundings for recovery and planning for return to the major league roster. According to a Baseball America report from earlier this year, the number of players cycling through Triple-A has increased by 15% in recent seasons, indicating a greater emphasis on developmental adaptability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mets Roster Moves

• What does it mean when a player is “optioned” to Triple-A? It means the player is being sent to the team’s minor league affiliate to continue developing or regain form,without being subject to waivers.
• Why did the Mets need Kodai Senga’s consent to send him to Triple-A? A clause in his contract stipulated that the Mets needed his approval before assigning him to the minor leagues.
• How long will Francisco Alvarez be monitored after returning from injury? His playing time will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, with close attention paid to his thumb and pinkie injuries.
• What role is Wander Suero expected to fill in the Mets bullpen? Suero is anticipated to provide depth and versatility as a relief pitcher.
• What is a rehab assignment in MLB? A rehab assignment allows injured players to regain game form at the minor league level before being reactivated to the major league roster.
• How important are Wild Card spots in MLB? Wild Card spots are crucial, granting teams who didn’t win their division a chance to compete in the playoffs.
• What factors influence a team’s decision to option a player? Team needs, player performance, and developmental goals all contribute to the decision-making process.

What specific mechanical adjustments might the Mets coaching staff encourage Senga to focus on during his time in Triple-A?

The Demotion: A Necessary reset for Kodai Senga?

On September 5th, 2025, the New York Mets announced the demotion of starting pitcher Kodai Senga to Triple-A Syracuse. This move comes after a prolonged slump that has seen Senga’s ERA balloon and his performance significantly decline from his promising start to the 2025 season. The decision, while challenging, signals the Mets’ commitment to both Senga’s long-term advancement and the team’s push for a late-season playoff contention. This is a developing story within the broader context of MLB news and the New York Mets roster.

Analyzing Senga’s Struggles: what went Wrong?

Senga arrived in Flushing with high expectations after signing a five-year, $75 million contract. His initial outings showcased a devastating “ghost forkball” and remarkable strikeout numbers. Tho, the latter half of the season has been a different story.Several factors appear to be contributing to his struggles:

Velocity Dip: Senga’s fastball velocity has consistently decreased over the past month, averaging around 93 mph compared to his season average of 95 mph. this reduction impacts the effectiveness of all his pitches.

Command Issues: Control has been a major problem. Walks are up, and Senga is frequently falling behind in counts, leading to more hittable pitches.

Ghost Forkball Effectiveness: Opposing hitters have begun to time the “ghost forkball” more effectively,diminishing its strikeout potential.Adjustments by opposing teams are a key element in baseball analytics.

Fatigue Concerns: The possibility of fatigue, given Senga’s transition from NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) to MLB, cannot be ruled out.The longer MLB season and increased travel demands take a toll.

Triple-A Assignment: Goals and Expectations

The Mets’ front office hopes a stint in Triple-A will allow senga to address these issues in a less pressurized surroundings. The primary goals of the assignment are:

1. Velocity Restoration: Work with pitching coaches in Syracuse to regain fastball velocity. This may involve adjustments to his mechanics or a focus on physical conditioning.
2. Command Refinement: Focus on throwing strikes and establishing a consistent strike zone. Utilizing pitch-tracking technology and video analysis will be crucial.
3. Ghost Forkball Re-Calibration: Experiment with different grips and release points to regain the pitch’s effectiveness.
4. Workload Management: Carefully monitor senga’s pitch count and overall workload to prevent further fatigue.

The Mets are not necessarily looking for immediate results. the focus is on building a foundation for Senga to return to the majors as a more consistent and effective pitcher. This is a common strategy in player development within Major League Baseball.

Impact on the Mets’ Playoff Push

While Senga’s demotion is a setback,the Mets are still in contention for a wild Card spot. The move opens up a rotation spot that will likely be filled by a combination of prospects and veteran pitchers.

Potential Replacements: Left-hander José López and right-hander Justin Jarvis are potential candidates to take Senga’s spot in the rotation.

Short-Term Rotation Stability: The Mets will need to rely on their remaining starting pitchers – including Max Scherzer and Sean Manaea – to provide stability down the stretch.

Bullpen Implications: the demotion could also impact the bullpen,as the Mets may need to utilize relievers more frequently to cover innings.

This situation highlights the importance of MLB standings and the competitive nature of the National League East.

Ancient Precedents: pitchers Sent to Triple-A for Re-tooling

sending a high-profile player like Senga to triple-A is not unprecedented. Several pitchers have successfully rebounded from similar demotions:

Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals): Strasburg was sent down to Triple-A early in his career to refine his mechanics and build endurance. He went on to become a Cy Young Award winner.

Chris Sale (Chicago White Sox): Sale spent time in Triple-A to work on his command and control. He later established himself as one of the league’s top left-handed pitchers.

lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox): Giolito underwent a significant mechanical overhaul in Triple-A, transforming him from a struggling prospect into an All-Star.

These cases demonstrate that a demotion can be a valuable tool for pitchers facing performance issues, provided they are willing to embrace the process and make the necessary adjustments. The success stories offer a glimmer of hope for Senga’s future with the New York Mets.

Benefits of a Triple-A Assignment for Pitcher Development

A Triple-A assignment offers several benefits that are difficult to replicate at the major league level:

* Reduced Pressure: The environment is