Mets Opt to Stick with Five-Man Rotation — For the Time Being

WASHINGTON — The Mets’ pitching plan right now entails rolling with the same five starting pitchers and not adding a sixth.

This strategy would mean slotting Kodai Senga to pitch against the Phillies on Monday, giving him four days of rest for the first time since 2023. Following that, Sean Manaea and Nolan McLean would also pitch with four days’ rest, and next Thursday, Clay Holmes would start a series against the Marlins, operating on the same rest period that is technically standard but has been less common for Mets pitchers.

Throughout this season, the Mets have had their starters pitch on four days’ rest only 22 times, mainly because Senga is used to a five-day rest cycle, and Holmes often needs an extra day as he has been transitioning from a bullpen role. During these 22 instances, Mets starters have recorded a 5.55 ERA.

However, in Wednesday’s game at Nationals Park, which ended in a 5-4 loss for the Mets, it was part of a grueling stretch of 16 consecutive games. The team does not plan on introducing a sixth starter to provide additional rest to the current rotation.

“The benefit at the start of the season is that you can distribute the workload more evenly,” pitching coach Jeremy Hefner explained. “Then, when you encounter stretches with many consecutive games towards the end, if they’re feeling good and responding well, it makes sense to proceed with it.”

The Mets believe the rotation is performing well, even though Senga allowed five runs (four of them earned) on six hits over five innings on Wednesday. If they maintain the current rotation plan, it would result in Senga pitching on shorter rest for the first time this year.

David Peterson, who will pitch Sunday on four days’ rest, carries a 7.20 ERA in four games in such scenarios.

Holmes owns a 4.12 ERA on four days’ rest and a 3.34 ERA on five days’ rest.

Another option could involve reintegrating Frankie Montas into the rotation or calling up Brandon Sproat, who recently threw for Triple-A Syracuse on four days’ rest, marking his first appearance this season under such conditions.

But Hefner said the change in schedule for the top prospect was happenstance, resulting from the Syracuse team losing McLean.

Bringing up a pitcher such as Sproat — who has been excellent since the end of June — would be complicated for a team that does not have much roster flexibility.

Such a move might force Reed Garrett, the only optionable reliever, back to Syracuse, and Garrett has been an integral part of the team.

Or an addition could prompt the DFA of Ryne Stanek, who has struggled but carries 100 mph heat and a strong postseason résumé.

The Mets will add some flexibility Sept. 1, when perhaps Sproat or the rehabbing Tylor Megill can be brought up with an additional roster spot.

But there are no plans at the moment to add another starting pitcher, which of course could change if performance or poor recovery dictates it.

Megill is expected to make a third rehab start Sunday.

The righty, recovering from a right elbow sprain, most recently threw 3 ¹/₃ innings and 55 pitches with Double-A Binghamton on Sunday.

There is optimism that Jose Siri will play again this season. There is less optimism that Jesse Winker will be back.

Siri, who fractured his left tibia after just 10 games, is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week, manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Winker, who has played two games since early May and is on the 60-day injured list with back inflammation, is “having a hard time recovering at times,” Mendoza said.

Winker has not been able to progress and has done limited activities.

“As of right now, the goal is for him to be a player for us at some point,” Mendoza said. “But again, we just got to wait and see.”

Mark Vientos started for a third straight game after homering in his past two contests. Ronny Mauricio had not played since Saturday.

“There’s competition, and [Vientos] continues to earn playing time,” Mendoza said. “We need him. He’s a really good player.”