Mets Place Kodai Senga on IL: What His Hamstring Strain Means for the Team’s Season

Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is facing a setback with a strained hamstring and will head to the 15-day injured list. Manager Carlos Mendoza shared this news after today’s game. The exact severity of the injury won’t be clear until Senga gets an MRI tomorrow.

During the game, Senga was sharp, shutting out the other team through much of his start. But when he went to cover first base after a ground ball, he jumped to make the catch and collapsed in pain. He expressed to teammate Pete Alonso that he felt a pull in his leg.

This injury is a significant blow for the Mets. Senga has been impressive on the mound, holding a 2.59 earned run average across his career. Unfortunately, injuries have interrupted his contributions in the past. Last season, he missed most of the regular games due to shoulder and calf strains, although he managed to pitch in the postseason.

So far in 2025, Senga has been in excellent form, starting 13 games and boasting a 1.47 ERA. Now, however, his next steps hinge on the MRI results, which will reveal how long he might be absent.

This situation is a reminder of how quickly things can change in baseball. Just before Senga’s injury, reports indicated the Mets were receiving interest in trading right-hander Paul Blackburn due to their perceived depth in pitching. With Senga out, however, those trade conversations may cool down.

Currently, the Mets will rely on Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning in their rotation. Blackburn, who recently returned from the injured list, may step up in Senga’s place.

Interestingly, Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are in rehab and could return in the next week or so. This situation can lead the Mets to have seven pitchers vying for five spots in the rotation. If Senga’s injury isn’t severe, the team might find themselves juggling options, with potentially eight pitchers competing for roles.

Of these pitchers, only Senga, Peterson, and Megill can be sent down to the minors. While Senga is unlikely to be optioned, Peterson’s performance—2.49 ERA this season—makes him valuable as well. Megill, with his 3.76 ERA, could be a candidate to be squeezed out in the lineup.

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Mets as they adapt to losing Senga. They have quality pitchers, but any injury to a key player can ripple through the team.

In the modern game, injuries to pitchers are a common challenge, reflecting a broader trend in sports where player health is a priority. According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of teams in professional leagues emphasize injury prevention and management now more than ever.

The Mets will need to navigate this challenge strategically, balancing player health with performance on the field.

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