Kodai Senga's Another Meltdown Sparks Questions: Mets Swept by Rockies

In many ways, the New York Mets being swept by the Colorado Rockies this weekend was more disheartening than their previous 12-game losing streak. A losing streak is one thing—a series of poor performances combined with bad luck that sent the Mets' record plummeting, but not necessarily enough to doom the entire season. Losing three consecutive games to the perennial bottom-dwelling Rockies, however, is another matter; it proves the team's problems are real and deeply rooted.

In the second game of today's doubleheader, the Mets lost 0-3, after already falling 1-3 in the earlier afternoon game. At Citi Field, the fans who stayed voiced their frustration with boos. They booed Kodai Senga, who pitched 2.2 innings and gave up three runs, his ERA soaring to 17.28 over his last three starts. They booed manager Carlos Mendoza when he emerged from the dugout to replace Senga. They also booed the Mets hitters, who managed only one run across 18 innings of offense, and the fielders who committed more errors.

“We have to keep grinding and find ways to get our players back on track,” Mendoza said. “There’s no other way. I can sit here and tell you a lot of things, but ultimately, we have to go out and perform. It’s that simple.”

If this isn't rock bottom, it's hard to imagine what would be. The Mets currently hold a record of 9 wins and 19 losses, already trailing by 10.5 games in the NL East just four weeks into the season. They share the worst record in the league with another deeply disappointing team, the Phillies. Nearly all of the Mets' key offensive metrics are at or near the bottom of the league: worst in on-base percentage, worst in slugging percentage, and worst in the most critical stat—runs scored.

“Honestly, I've never seen a situation like this,” Mendoza said. “So many players struggling simultaneously for such a prolonged period.”

Worse still, their star shortstop Francisco Lindor remains on the injured list, expected to be out for at least another month or longer. And 40% of the starting rotation has become a revolving door of constant changes. As the fanbase's anger grows, calls for Mendoza and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns to be replaced are increasing.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Mets had almost no chance. Senga issued four walks and a hit batter in the second and third innings, giving free passes to hitters. Hunter Goodman hit a two-run homer off him, delivering the most crushing blow. The Mets' offense posed little threat. After the game, Mendoza stated he would meet with other team executives to decide how to handle Senga's situation. The right-hander, who was sent down to the minors under similar circumstances last season, said he wasn't sure if he would agree to it again if asked this time.

“I think this matter requires a lot of discussion with many people,” Senga said. “I can't give you a definite yes or no right now.”

At this point, their troubles are multifaceted. Aside from Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, and Clay Holmes, the pitching staff has performed terribly. The offense is even more dismal and appears difficult to fix quickly. Although Juan Soto has returned from the injured list, he has almost no protection behind him in the lineup. Key offseason acquisition Bo Bichette continues to perform well below his career averages. Luis Robert Jr., after a hot start, has cooled significantly. Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio, despite ample opportunities, are still struggling to prove themselves. Carson Benge, beginning his career, has also disappointed.

The list of disappointments is long, but it boils down to one thing: even though the season is still young, if the Mets want to change their fate, they must start winning immediately, and fast.

“We've tried everything,” Mendoza said. “They have to go out and fight for it.”