Mets Struggle Again as Senga's Return Falls Flat

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 16: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets reacts after yielding a three-run homer to Sal Stewart #27 of the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park on June 16, 2026. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Coming off a disappointing blowout loss, the Mets were hoping for a turnaround in Tuesday's matchup, relying on Kodai Senga's return from the injured list. Senga had shown promise in his latest rehab outing, allowing just one run while striking out five over six innings. Given the recent struggles of the Mets' starting rotation, any improvement from Senga would have been a much-needed boost.

However, Senga's return did not go as planned. He faced immediate trouble in the first inning, issuing two walks before surrendering a three-run homer to Sal Stewart, which put the team in an early deficit. Although he managed to record two outs afterward, Senga allowed a solo home run to Spencer Steer, ending the inning after facing seven batters and throwing over thirty pitches. In total, Senga exited after four innings, having allowed four runs on just two hits but with four walks and five strikeouts to his name.

The Mets' offense struggled to respond until the third inning when they finally mustered some momentum. Brett Baty was hit by a pitch and later replaced on a fielder’s choice, while Francisco Alvarez contributed a single, setting the stage for Bo Bichette who drove in the team's first run. Despite loading the bases, the Mets were unable to capitalize further, a recurring theme they faced throughout the game.

Reliever Cionel Pérez came in during the fifth and quickly allowed another Reds run, further complicating the Mets' comeback efforts. In the sixth inning, the Mets showed signs of life, as Mark Vientos hit a two-run homer to narrow the deficit, but their rally fell short. Despite solid relief efforts from Austin Warren, Huascar Brazobán, and Luke Weaver in the latter innings, the Mets' inability to convert opportunities left them stranded with eleven runners on base throughout the game.

The Mets will face the Reds one last time tomorrow, hoping for a better performance with Nolan McLean on the mound. They need to regain their footing as they head to Philadelphia, facing a divisional rival that poses a significant challenge in the Wild Card race.