The Mets recently got a wake-up call: the Marlins won the last game of their 4-game series by 1-5. The reason? Pitching that looked more like a relief act than a postseason brigade. With September hitting and the playoffs getting closer, this series collapse was the last thing Mendoza wanted. And he didn’t shy away from addressing the next step for their $75M arm.

Behind this latest loss stood their ace Kodai Senga. He only pitched 4.2 innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs while walking two. He did get six strikeouts, but the damage was too much for the Mets to come back from. This game produced a contrasting story for the Japanese right-hander expected to be the Mets’ cornerstone. So, when Mendoza was questioned about his difficulty and future on the mound, he didn’t sugarcoat.

Setve Gelbs, the Mets reporter, shared the reply of Mendoza on X. The skipper said, “We’ve got to get him right.” He went on, “I’m pretty sure we’re going to have some discussion about what’s next for him, but our job is to get him right. It’s been a struggle… again, we’ll see what’s next for him.” When the skipper isn’t sure about what’s next, it’s a worrisome situation.

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Kodai Senga is currently on a five-year, $75M deal through 2027 with an opt-out option after 2025. This season has been a roller coaster for him. Before going on the 15-day IL with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain in mid-June, he had a great 1.47 ERA, went 7-3 over 13 starts, struck out 70 batters in 73 2/3 innings, and kept his WHIP at a neat 1.11.

However, his post-injury return tells a different story. In his last nine appearances, his ERA increased to 5.91, and during earlier stretches, he recorded a poor 6.18 ERA over 16 innings across four games. The difference is clear, and even Senga knows that if things go like this, he might end up losing his place in the Mets in the playoffs.

“I’m working my tail off to get back to that,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “And it’s as simple as: If I’m able to do it, we’re in the postseason and I’m pitching out there. And if I’m not able to, then there’s no spot for me to pitch.”

The next game will tell whether he will play or not, and if he does, he has to put good numbers out there. Amid these pitching woes, a reinforcement may be coming at just the right time.

As Senga Struggles, Another Pitcher’s Return Offers a Glimmer of Hope for the Mets’ Playoff Push

The Mets’ record of 73-64 puts them in second position in the NL East and six games behind the Phillies. And their pitching isn’t helping them over the last 10 games; the rotation has an ERA of 4.55. On top of that, Senga’s performance worsened the situation, and without a strong reliever, the NYM needed more than just hope.

And it looks like they found that hope in the name of Reed Garrett, who was on IL due to inflammation in his right elbow. Carlos Mendoza said that Garrett is getting better at throwing and should be able to play again shortly after his 15-day IL.

There couldn’t be a better time for Garrett to come back. Before being sent on the IL on August 25, he had made a career-high 54 appearances, had a 3.61 ERA, and often came into high-leverage innings breathing fire. He showed signs of stress; his ERA increased in recent games when the injury occurred. Having him back in action may provide the bullpen with much-needed consistency and experience.

As the playoffs approach and the pitching staff appears uncertain, Garrett’s return not only provides additional arms but also offers a solid foundation for the playoff push. As Senga works to regain his form, having Garrett’s experience and reliability back in the mix could be crucial.