Mets Place Senga on 15-Day IL with Lumbar Inflammation

The New York Mets placed right-hander Kodai Senga on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with lumbar spine inflammation, the latest setback for the pitcher after three consecutive poor outings to start the 2026 season.

Senga received an epidural injection Tuesday and will refrain from throwing for seven to 10 days, according to team announcements. The 31-year-old, who finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2023, said through an interpreter Wednesday that he had managed discomfort in the area since spring training. The pain intensified during his most recent start Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, where he lasted just 2 2/3 innings and allowed three runs.

Over his past three starts, Senga has pitched 8 1/3 innings, surrendering 16 earned runs, including five home runs. He issued eight walks against seven strikeouts in those appearances, with his four-seam fastball velocity dropping from 97.4 mph in his debut to between 95.1 and 95.7 mph in subsequent outings. "It got to a point Sunday where it was definitely affecting my pitching and I had to bring it to their attention," Senga said. He added that the injury sometimes made it difficult to stand on one leg.