Deadspin | Struggling Kodai Senga seeks better form during Mets-Rockies doubleheader 
Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.
On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.
Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).
The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.
The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.
The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.
The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.
The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.
Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.
“This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”
Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.
When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.
The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.
“Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”
McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.
Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.
Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.
Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.
Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheader
Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.
On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.
Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).
The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.
The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.
The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.
The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.
The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.
Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.
“This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”
Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.
When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.
The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.
“Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”
McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.
Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.
Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.
Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.
Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.
–Field Level Media
![Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200,fo-auto/29154804.jpg "Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York")
![Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200,fo-auto/29154804.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | President Trump booed while attending Game 3 of NBA Finals in New York [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump attends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images President Donald Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the NBA Finals, was booed by fellow New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Monday before Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. Shown on the jumbotron saluting the American flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but downplayed the reception after the game — a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “It was certainly amazing. It was, I think, mostly cheers,” he told reporters ahead of boarding Air Force One bound for Washington after staying until the game ended. “It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.” The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the Spurs. Invited to attend Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, Trump sat in a suite near midcourt, halfway up the seating area, in a box constructed for his visit with bulletproof glass. The glass was one of several security measures taken with Trump in attendance. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was welcome to the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the President is a “genuine Knicks fan.” “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” before Game 3. “We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” According to ESPN, fans made rude gestures toward Trump upon his motorcade’s arrival at MSG, along with others holding signs that read “Trump must go.” Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” Both coaches downplayed any talk that President Trump’s presence was a distraction to the teams ahead of Game 3. “My focus is just what’s next and what’s in front of me, and Game 3 is front of us right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I feel our group is that way, too.” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended Game 3. He told the media he purchased his own standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #President #Trump #booed #attending #Game #NBA #Finals #York")
Post Comment