New York Mets fans criticized Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga following another poor performance. Originally a starting pitcher, Senga was removed from the rotation after dropping to a 0-7 record. On Saturday night, the team used Senga as a reliever against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
The Japanese ace entered in the fifth inning with the visitors trailing 4-1. Senga pitched 1.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, with three walks and two strikeouts. The Phillies secured a 6-1 victory, tying the three-game series at one game each.
Fans were quick to share their reactions to Senga’s struggles, with many questioning his precise role in the bullpen.
“Kodai Senga is a torturous watch,” a fan wrote.
Kodai Senga Resisted a Potential Demotion to the Minor Leagues
Last month, the Mets had to make the difficult decision to pull Senga out of the starting rotation and use him as a relief pitcher to ease his slump on the mound. The Mets signed the Japanese ace to a five-year, $75 million deal in December 2023. The contract included a minor-league option, but that could be triggered only with Senga’s permission.
Reflecting on the matter in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Senga said he would oppose a demotion to the minor leagues.
“It’s certainly the preference. Going down and throwing in minor-league games probably wouldn’t be as beneficial. Pitching in a high-concentration environment like the big leagues is what brings out the good and the bad. And when the bad comes out, that’s when you can finally learn versus when you’re pitching in the minor leagues. There’s just not as much to gain from those outings,” Senga said.
Senga is 0-7 with an 8.85 ERA, 49 strikeouts, and a 1.84 WHIP. The Japanese ace will most likely be in action next against the Brewers at American Family Field, starting Monday.
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