CINCINNATI — The Mets’ already thin rotation lost a key component Monday as a giant question mark is set to return.
Christian Scott has been placed on the injured list with a right thigh collision that is not considered serious, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, and Kodai Senga will return to replace Scott in the rotation on Tuesday.
Scott, who has pitched to a 3.10 ERA in nine starts this season, felt discomfort in his hip after his last start and didn’t feel well after his sideline session on Sunday.
A subsequent MRI revealed the collision.
Scott received a cortisone injection in the hip.
“We hope this is the minimum [absence]Mendoza said before the Mets lost 12-0 to the Reds.
Enter Senga, who was originally under consideration to begin another minor league rehab after a solid outing Thursday for Double-A Binghamton.
The right-hander has spent the past six weeks rehabilitating lumbar osteoarthritis.
The Mets got a promising start this season from Senga, before a slump that Mendoza attributed to the right-hander’s back ailment.
Overall, Senga has a 9.00 ERA in five starts for the team this season.
He finished last season at Triple-A Syracuse after being pitched in the second inning.
In his final minor league rehab appearance, he pitched six innings and allowed one run on one hit for Binghamton.
“We were saying we wanted to see results, and we did on his last ride,” Mendoza said. “But with him, it’s not just the score, it’s also how he feels after throwing the ball.”
Senga threw a practice session on Sunday, according to Mendoza, and got the go-ahead the next day.
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“He’s ready to go,” Mendoza said. “He told us he felt 100 percent fine. He was on board saying, ‘Hey, if you want me to go down to the minor leagues and play again,'” [on rehab]”I will, but I’m ready to compete at the big league level.” For him, being vocal about this is a really good thing.
Francisco Lindor played in a simulated game, receiving hits, running the bases and playing defense.
Mendoza said the routine will continue throughout this week before it is determined whether the shortstop, who is rehabilitating a calf strain, will need a minor league rehab stint.
Syracuse’s Tobias Myers (who started Monday) and Jonathan Pintaro were called up before the game.
Daniel Duarte was selected.
Infielder Zack Short has been claimed off waivers from the Tigers.