For a team built on star power and high expectations, the Mets have become the tale of how quickly things can spiral when a rotation struggles. Just a month ago, they were topping the NL East, looking every bit the contender they were constructed to be. But since Kodai Senga landed on the injured list on June 12, everything went for a toss. The Mets have stumbled to a disastrous 3-13 record, tumbling down the standings and losing grip on their season.

Senga’s absence was just the beginning. The rotation soon took more hits with Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning also sidelined, deepening the crisis. Now, with the Mets desperately seeking stability, manager Carlos Mendoza has an update on Senga that could hint at a potential shift in momentum.

“Senga faced hitters on Sunday,” Mendoza shared. “He had an up-and-down, live BP. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen tomorrow and do some PFP, and then we’ll see where we’re at after that bullpen.”

Now, anything related to Senga’s return or his rehab process is a morale boost for the Mets. Because before getting sidelined, Senga was going 1.47 ERA in 13 starts! Something that the Mets have been missing since his absence.

Now, if things go as planned and the right-hander starts his rehab assignment this week, he’s on pace to return by mid-July. Probably just after the All-Star break. Reportedly, Senga got another bullpen session lined up for Wednesday, and that one will also include some fielding work.

The Mets’ rotation currently includes regulars like Clay Holmes and David Peterson, and they just got Frankie Montas back. But they’ve also had to lean on an underwhelming Paul Blackburn and rookie Blade Tidwell. Here, Tidwell hasn’t exactly hit the ground running, and he doesn’t look quite ready for the big leagues yet. But with the rotation taking such a hit, the Mets fast-tracked him to the majors.

Now, with Senga expected to return shortly after the All-Star break, Tidwell will likely head back down to the minors.

But for the Mets, it’s not only about their pitching staff. It’s about their fluctuating bullpen as well. While there were a few flashes of greatness this year, the team’s bullpen largely reeled under the added pressure of starting woes.

The Mets’ bullpen complements their pitching struggles

Remember David Peterson’s complete-game gem against the Nationals? Well, those days are gone now. His ERA has climbed from a solid 2.98 to 3.30 after his latest outing. That kinda drop-off isn’t just affecting Peterson’s line. It’s putting even more strain on an already overworked Mets bullpen. With starters failing to go deep into games, relievers are being asked to cover more innings, and it’s beginning to show in their performance.

Well, through the first 12 games of the season, the Mets’ bullpen was nothing short of dominant. They boasted a league-best 1.27 ERA and locked down close games with ruthless efficiency. Fast forward to July, and that number has ballooned to 3.70, raising serious questions about sustainability, depth, and durability!

Early on, the bullpen was carrying the team while the rotation dealt with injuries and inconsistency. But as the innings piled up and key relievers were stretched thin, the cracks began to show. You can rewatch the latest games of the Mets! There are command issues, untimely walks, and a rising home run rate from the pitchers that have turned once-automatic innings into high-wire acts.

So, fixing the bullpen now is just an option, but a necessity. Considering they are still in contention for a successful October, the addition of external help for the bullpen by the upcoming trade deadline seems to be the only option left. Because Senga alone might not be enough to lift the bare and vulnerable pitching woes.