Kodai Senga Optioned to Triple-A by Mets, Francisco Alvarez to Return from Injury

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga is heading to the minors.

Per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, the Mets have optioned Senga to Triple-A after 22 starts this season.

DiComo also reported that catcher Francisco Alvarez is back from the injured list after missing a few weeks with a sprained right thumb.

Senga had a strong start to the season, recording a 6-3 record to go along with a 1.59 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 68 innings, with a 2.4 WAR through early June. However, a hamstring injury landed him on the injured list on June 12, and he missed a month of action.

He hasn't been nearly as dominant of late, posting a 6.56 ERA in 35.2 innings since his return. In his last outing, a 5-1 loss to the Miami Marlins, Senga gave up seven hits, two walks and five earned runs across 4.2 innings. He hasn't lasted six innings since early June.

Senga, who appeared in just one game in 2024, has a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 22 appearances this season.

According to The Athletic's Will Sammon, Senga has a clause in his contract that says he may not go to the minor leagues without agreeing to do so. Sammon noted that Senga recently said he was willing to do whatever was needed to help the team.

SNY's Andy Martino noted that Senga's relationship with the Mets "is in very good shape," and he was involved in the discussion before he was sent to Triple-A. Martino added that Senga "felt respected by the process and consented without issue."

Alvarez should receive a warm welcome from the Mets as they look to make a final push toward the postseason. The 23-year-old has seven home runs, 24 RBI and a career-best .265 batting average in 56 games.

While Alvarez will be behind the plate for New York for the first time since early August, it might take time for him to adjust. According to the New York Post's Mark W. Sanchez and Mike Puma, Alvarez has adjusted his throw so that he doesn't have to use his thumb as much, which could make him a bit slower when trying to throw to runners out on the basepaths.

With 22 games left in the season, the Mets currently hold the last wild card spot in the National League at 75-66, four games ahead of the San Francisco Giants and five games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds, who they face this weekend.