The New York Mets have shifted right-hander Kodai Senga from their starting rotation to the bullpen amid ongoing struggles on the mound. The decision follows a difficult start on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field, where Senga allowed seven runs, including two home runs, five walks, and yielded damage over 3.2 innings in a 9-6 loss.
Senga, 33, who has not previously pitched out of the bullpen during his four major league seasons, is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $75 million contract with the Mets. He last pitched in relief once during the 2024 playoffs but has exclusively been a starter in regular-season games. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that the team plans to use Senga either as a multi-inning reliever or in shorter, high-leverage situations, emphasizing the need for adaptability in his new role. Mendoza noted, “If you pitch an inning, you’ve got to be ready to go the next day,” highlighting the adjustment the pitcher will have to make.
Senga’s 2026 season has been marked by significant difficulties. In seven starts, he has posted an 0-6 record with a 10.08 ERA and has struggled with command, issuing 22 walks and surrendering nine home runs in just under 28 innings pitched. His performance has sharply declined following a seven-week stint on the injured list for lumbar spine inflammation and previous calf and shoulder strains that limited his availability and effectiveness. Since returning on June 16, his ERA has ballooned to 12.91 across two starts, allowing four home runs and nine walks.
Despite the recent setbacks, Mendoza and Senga remain optimistic about the right-hander's potential. Mendoza mentioned flashes of brilliance, referencing Senga’s ability to throw fastballs up to 98 mph as recently as Tuesday’s first inning, but acknowledged the consistency has been lacking. “I think maybe out of this (bullpen) role, he’ll simplify,” Mendoza said. “You just throw your best pitches in the strike zone. You’re pretty good when you do that.”
Senga himself acknowledged the unprecedented challenges he is facing, stating through a team interpreter after Tuesday’s game, “I’ve never experienced something like this in my career. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific thing.”
The move to the bullpen reflects a pivot to maximize Senga’s contributions while managing his workload after his dominant 2023 season, during which he posted a 2.98 ERA and recorded 202 strikeouts as the Mets’ ace. Last season, however, injuries contributed to uneven performances, leading to time on the injured list and a stint in Triple-A following a temporary drop in effectiveness.
The Mets are concurrently managing other roster moves. The team activated shortstop Francisco Lindor from the injured list before Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. Manager Mendoza also indicated that outfielder Juan Soto’s status remains uncertain after he exited Tuesday’s game with back tightness, suggesting a possible injury list placement is under consideration.
As Senga transitions into his new bullpen role, both the pitcher and the Mets hope this change will allow him to regain stability and positively impact the team’s fortunes during a challenging season.