Full Breakdown
Mets Shift Rotation: Kodai Senga to Injured List, Christian Scott Called Up
4/29/2026, 6:56:20 AM
The Move
The New York Mets placed right-hander Kodai Senga on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, retroactive to April 27, citing lumbar spine inflammation in the L4-L5 vertebrae. An MRI confirmed the issue, and Senga received an epidural that will keep him from throwing for 7–10 days. In the same transaction, the club recalled right-hander Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the roster spot.
Background & Recent Performance
Senga entered the 2026 season with a strong debut (6 IP, nine strikeouts) and a solid second outing (5.2 IP, seven strikeouts). Over his next three starts his effectiveness collapsed, yielding 16 earned runs in 8.1 IP (17.28 ERA) and seeing his fastball velocity dip from 97.4 mph on March 31 to 95.1 mph in his most recent start. Through five starts he is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA, a 1.950 WHIP, 23 strikeouts and 13 walks over 20.0 IP. The decline follows a history of injuries: a 2024 shoulder strain, a 2025 calf strain, and a 2023 hamstring issue that limited his availability.
Key Figures
- Kodai Senga – 33-year-old right-hander, former All-Star, now on IL.
- Christian Scott – 27-year-old right-hander, recalled after a brief 1.1-IP major-league debut in 2026.
- Carlos Mendoza – Mets manager, providing public comments on the move.
- David Peterson – Left-hander returning to the rotation after two relief appearances.
- Sean Manaea – Left-hander currently in a long-relief role.
- Freddy Peralta – Scheduled to start the series finale.
Data & Statistics
| Pitcher | Starts (2026) | Record | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodai Senga | 5 | 0-4 | 9.00 | 1.950 | 20.0 | 23 | 13 |
| Christian Scott (MLB) | 1 | 0-0 | 9.00* | 5.00* | 1.1 | 0 | 5 |
| Christian Scott (AAA) | 2 | — | 1.74 | 0.58 | 10.1 | — | — |
\*Scott’s MLB line reflects a single rough outing.
Why It Matters
The Mets entered the season 9-19, their worst start since 1983, and sit at the bottom of the NL East. Senga’s removal eliminates a fourth starter, forcing the club to rely on a thin rotation (Peralta, Peterson, Manaea) and extended bullpen usage. Scott’s promotion offers a potential long-term solution, but his initial MLB performance was shaky. The decision also signals how the organization balances health concerns with performance expectations amid a fragile roster.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Mets announced the IL move and Scott’s recall via a team statement on April 28.
- Manager Carlos Mendoza said, “We didn’t know what we were dealing with until we got the MRI.”
- Mendoza added, “I’m gonna have a conversation with David [Stearns], see what’s next.”
- He also noted, “He’s earned it. He is throwing the ball well and here he is getting another opportunity, we are going to need him,” referring to Peterson’s return.
- The club confirmed Senga will be shut down from throwing for 7–10 days following the epidural.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts at Heavy.com argue the IL placement “gives the Mets an immediate solution without forcing a long-term answer,” suggesting the move may be a strategic pause rather than a purely medical necessity. The same outlet notes that Senga’s own comments emphasized mechanical issues over pain, raising questions about whether the injury is being used to avoid a demotion. Critics also point out the Mets’ limited patience given the depth of the rotation, implying the club may soon be forced into a more decisive roster move.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Medical sources describe confirmed lumbar inflammation, while Senga told reporters he was “completely healthy” and blamed mechanics for his decline.
- The exact timeline for Senga’s return remains vague; the team cites a 7–10-day throwing ban but also hints at a possible extended rehab assignment.
- No official comment has been made regarding whether Senga will be optioned to Triple-A after the IL stint.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We didn’t know what we were dealing with until we got the MRI,” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
- “I’m gonna have a conversation with David [Stearns], see what’s next,” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
- “I'm completely healthy. I feel great. Mechanics, sure there are some minor things here and there, but that happens to everybody. Putting that aside, I just need to go out there and perform” — Kodai Senga, Mets pitcher
- “When the pitches don’t have as much life approaching the hitter, approaching the catcher, with how high the level this league is, that’s just how the results end up being,” — Kodai Senga, Mets pitcher
- “He is throwing the ball well and here he is getting another opportunity, we are going to need him.” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
- “Now we have an ideal situation, because we told [Scott] the other day: ‘You are going to make a lot of starts for us.” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
What’s Next
Christian Scott is slated to start the series against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, with David Peterson expected to take the mound the following day. The Mets will reassess Senga’s condition after the 7–10-day throwing ban and determine whether a rehab assignment or a roster move follows. Rotation stability remains a central concern as the club seeks to halt its historic early-season slide.
