On Thursday at Citi Field, the New York Mets secured a hardfought 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals, clinching a threegame sweep.
Yet the triumph was overshadowed when ace Kodai Senga exited the game in the sixth inning, limping after completing a play at first base and immediately clenching his right hamstring.
That play, covering the bag on a routine ground ball, ended with Senga grabbing for his leg and walking off the field to a mixture of hope and concern.
According to manager Carlos Mendoza, Senga will head for an MRI on Friday and is expected to be placed on the injured list. The timing is particularly tough: Senga currently leads the majors with a 1.47 ERA and was squarely on track for an AllStar selection.
But now the Mets face the critical task of preserving their dominant rotation without its top arm.
Reassurance from within: how the Mets can cope
The Mets‘ broader pitching lineup has already demonstrated resilience. Tylor Megill and David Peterson have stepped in at various times, while Griffin Canning offers valuable flexibility. Mendoza confirmed the club is not rushing Frankie Montas‘ rehab, preferring to let caution guide his comeback.
Offensively, the Mets remain potent. Jeff McNeil smacked his third homer in four games, and Brandon Nimmo added a solo home run, giving the team some breathing room.
Meanwhile, closer Edwin Díaz has been lightsout in May and early June, earning the National League Reliever of the Month honors following over 10 scoreless innings in May with 5 saves.
Pete Alonso, part of the inning leading to Senga‘s injury, expressed deep remorse following the awkward throw.
“I still feel awful… I tried to make the best throw I could, and it just sucks. I wish it wouldn’t have turned out like that,” Alonso said to reporters after the game, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment for the clubhouse.
Looking ahead
The upcoming series against the Tampa Bay Rays will test the rotation’s endurance. If Senga‘s absence extends beyond a few weeks, the Mets may need to consider temporary sixman rotations or dipping into their bullpen and farm system.
The stakes are high. The Mets currently hold a commanding 45-24 record and lead the NL East. Sustaining that success without Senga will require a team effort, bolstered by strategic returns, smart roster management, and consistent offensive and lateinning production.
In the end, this moment isn’t just about Senga; it’s a defining test for the entire organization. Should the Mets’ rotation hold strong, it will validate a longterm vision built on depth. If cracks appear, it may prompt midseason tweaks. Either way, baseball fans across Queens will be watching closely.
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