Mets manager hesitates to decide on Kodai Senga's upcoming start following his recent poor performance, emphasizing: "We need to ensure he's in top form."

New York Mets Shuffle Starting Rotation Amid Injuries and Performance Concerns

The New York Mets have made some changes to their starting rotation in recent weeks, with top pitching prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong being called up to bolster the team. However, these moves come at a time when the Mets are dealing with a series of injuries and questionable performances.

Kodai Senga, who returned from a hamstring injury on July 11, has struggled since his return. In his nine starts, Senga has posted a 5.89 ERA, and his recent outing against the Miami Marlins resulted in a loss, with the Marlins securing a 5-1 victory. Sunday's loss dropped the Mets to 73-64 on the season, and they are now four games up on a wild card spot.

Senga's next start is uncertain, as Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has not committed to him making the start. With rosters expanding on Monday, the Mets could skip Senga's next start and have him work on things on the side without removing him from the roster.

Another spot in the starting rotation is missing due to an Achilles injury, while one pitcher is currently rehabbing from an elbow sprain. Megill, who has been on the injured list since June 17, threw four innings in a minor-league rehab start on Thursday and is expected to make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the team.

Mendoza stated that they need to get Kodai Senga right, and they will have discussions about what's next for him. Meanwhile, both McLean and Tong are venturing into uncharted territory with their workloads, as they adjust to the rigours of major league baseball.

The current depth chart for the New York Mets' starting rotation is: LHP David Peterson, RHP Clay Holmes, LHP Sean Manaea, RHP Kodai Senga, RHP Nolan McLean, RHP Jonah Tong. Holmes, a converted reliever, is exceeding his previous career high in innings.

The Mets are 6 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, and they will need to find a way to stabilise their starting rotation if they hope to make a push for the division title. Senga, 32, has never pitched out of the bullpen in his three years with the Mets, and his last relief appearance was with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in 2015.

The specific replacement for Kodai Senga during the next game break, if he does not take his next start, has not been publicly announced. As the Mets continue to navigate injuries and performance issues, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on the team's rotation and their chances of making the playoffs.

Mets manager hesitates to decide on Kodai Senga's upcoming start following his recent poor performance, emphasizing: "We need to ensure he's in top form."