Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shifted right‑hander Kodai Senga to the bullpen Wednesday, ending his start after a disastrous Tuesday versus Chicago. Senga surrendered seven runs in 3⅔ innings, inflating his season line to a 10.08 ERA over seven outings. He struck out 34 and walked 22 in 27⅔ innings, while opponents hit nine homers and posted a .979 OPS against him.

The club also considered putting left fielder Juan Soto on the injured list after he left Tuesday’s game with back tightness. Soto exited after four innings, wincing on two swings, and now carries a .965 OPS that sits second in the NL. Shortstop Francisco Lindor is expected to rejoin the lineup before second game of the doubleheader, with a reduced workload to safeguard his calf.

With both cornerstones likely sidelined, New York’s roster faces a stark test. The Mets sit near the bottom of the NL East, and losing Senga’s spot in the rotation forces deeper bullpen usage. Mendoza stressed the move aims to maximize Senga’s strengths in shorter stints while the club hopes Lindor’s return steadies the infield and keeps the Mets in the playoff hunt.