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Try it freeDETROIT – As the Mets look to get Kodai Senga on track, multiple options are under consideration — including a minor league assignment.
It’s unclear if Senga, whose consent is needed for such a move per his contract, is willing to accept the demotion. But a source indicated Wednesday that the Mets will have an answer by Friday.
Senga has pitched to a 6.56 ERA over his last eight starts. His latest rough outing was Sunday when he surrendered five earned runs over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Miami.
“Everything is on the table,” manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday morning, referring to Senga’s next step. “There is a lot going on right now and we just have to wait and see after we get through today.”
Mendoza was asked if he believes Senga is receptive to the idea of pitching in the minors.
“I don’t know about that,” Mendoza said. “We all know he’s going to have to give us consent.”
The Mets will head into a key weekend series against the Reds with David Peterson and Jonah Tong as confirmed starters for the first two games.
A source indicated that team brass is leaning toward Nolan McLean for the series finale on Sunday. Also, Sean Manaea is scheduled to start Monday, when the Mets open a four-game series at NL East-leading Philadelphia.
Where does that leave Brandon Sproat? Club officials expect the highly-touted pitching prospect to debut with the club at some point this month – the rotation and bullpen are both options for the right-hander – but a firm date for his arrival doesn’t appear to be set.
The Mets also have to decide on where Tylor Megill might fit after the right-hander threw 79 pitches Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse in a potential final rehab start.
Mendoza has previously indicated that Megill could be a consideration for the bullpen if he’s not utilized in the major league rotation. Megill also has a minor league option remaining.
Already, the Mets have received a boost from McLean and Tong with their injection of youth into the rotation. McLean’s latest strong performance occurred on Tuesday, when he allowed two earned runs over six innings in a win over the Tigers.
McLean has pitched to a 1.37 ERA in his four starts. And he’s pitched at least six innings in each start after his major league debut – no small feat in a rotation besieged by short outings.
Tong allowed one earned run over five innings against Miami in his major league debut last Friday.
The Athletic first reported that a minor league assignment was a possibility for Senga.