The New York Mets recently concluded their homestand on a high note, winning a series against the Orioles with Jesse Winker’s walk-off home run. This victory not only gave them a winning record during their week and a half in Queens but also provided momentum as they head out on a crucial road trip. Their first stop is San Diego, where they will face the red-hot Padres in a four-game series.
The Mets’ pitching rotation has been a key factor in their recent success, with Luis Severino and Sean Manaea standing out as the team’s top starters. Severino’s shutout performance against the Marlins last week showcased his talent, while Manaea has consistently delivered impressive outings. As the Mets prepare for their road trip, let’s take a closer look at their rotation.
1. Jose Quintana’s recent struggles pose a challenge for the Mets
Quintana had an exceptional run for the Mets, boasting a 1.91 ERA over eight starts in the middle of the season. However, since August, the team has struggled when he takes the mound, losing all four games, and Quintana himself has struggled with an 8.27 ERA. Tuesday’s game against the Orioles was particularly challenging for Quintana, as he fell behind in the count and made several mistakes in the strike zone. The Orioles capitalized on these errors, scoring seven runs over five innings.
Despite his recent struggles, the Mets are committed to Quintana and plan to start him in their upcoming game against San Diego. The team believes that Quintana’s performance dip is not due to fatigue, as his velocity and stuff remain consistent. However, Quintana’s success relies heavily on executing his pitches with precision and receiving support from his defense and umpires on close calls. With his style of pitching, hitting the corners, mixing speeds, and inducing weak contact, Quintana has little margin for error. The Mets acknowledge that their defensive performance behind Quintana was subpar, and they may consider adjusting the lineup to provide better support in the future.
2. Finding a replacement for Quintana is not an easy task
The Mets’ Triple-A Syracuse rotation has not performed as expected this season. Pitchers like Mike Vasil, Dom Hamel, and Blade Tidwell have struggled, with ERAs over five. The team is hesitant to call up Brandon Sproat, as he lacks experience at the Triple-A level. If the Mets do decide to replace Quintana, Tylor Megill is the most likely candidate. However, Megill has struggled in his recent stint with Syracuse, allowing 10 runs in 16 2/3 innings. This lack of a clear replacement option makes the decision more challenging for the Mets.
3. The return of Christian Scott is crucial for the Mets
Rookie right-hander Christian Scott is currently in the process of recovering from elbow soreness. He has been playing catch at a distance of 105 feet and may soon progress to throwing off a mound. The Mets anticipate Scott’s return in September, considering it a crucial step for his development going into the offseason. By allowing Scott to test his elbow at the big-league level before the winter, the team can determine if rest and rehabilitation are sufficient or if Tommy John surgery is necessary. A worst-case scenario would involve Scott entering the next spring training with uncertainty about his elbow’s health, potentially jeopardizing part of the 2026 season.
4. Kodai Senga may make a return in the final week
Kodai Senga is currently on the 60-day injured list and is ineligible to return until the final week of the season, starting on September 25. The Mets remain optimistic about the possibility of Senga making an appearance in the last five games against Atlanta and Milwaukee. Despite his lower-body injury, Senga has been able to maintain arm strength by throwing from a seated position. He is set to begin throwing while standing this week, with the recovery of his strained calf being the biggest obstacle. Senga’s potential return is reminiscent of Edwin Díaz’s comeback last season, where hitting all the necessary checkpoints and perfect circumstances were essential. Although challenging, it is not impossible.
5. The Mets will regain a key bullpen piece
Dedniel Núñez is expected to return to the Mets’ bullpen on Thursday in San Diego. Núñez will likely fill a set-up role alongside Buttó, providing more structure to Carlos Mendoza’s bullpen strategy. The Mets will face a decision on who to remove from the bullpen to make room for Núñez. Reed Garrett, who still has minor-league options and has struggled since his return from the injured list, may be a candidate. Additionally, the Mets could consider parting ways with either Adam Ottavino or Ryne Stanek, who has struggled since being acquired at the trade deadline.
As the Mets embark on their crucial road trip, their pitching rotation will play a significant role in their success. Finding solutions for Quintana’s struggles, monitoring the return of Scott and Senga, and optimizing the bullpen will be key factors for the team’s performance. By addressing these challenges and making strategic decisions, the Mets have the potential to maintain their winning record and make a strong push towards the postseason.