Kodai Senga got off to a hot start with the New York Mets this season. However, after a stint on the injured list, he was not the same, and the team optioned him to Triple-A.

Senga had a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts before his injury. After returning, he had a 5.90 ERA in nine games and only gave the Mets 39 2/3 innings. His inability to get deep into games and surrendering of too many runs forced the Mets to make a tough decision.

Senga has been throwing bullpen sessions after being demoted and is scheduled to start for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. Senga is expected to make two starts in Triple-A, according to the New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez.

Senga is expected to be back with the Mets and play a role if the team reaches the postseason. Carlos Mendoza spoke on Senga’s progress.

“He feels good. He feels like he’s in a good spot,” Mendoza told Sanchez. “He’s made some adjustments with his mechanics. Now he’s got to go out on the mound and we got to see.”

Right now, the Mets’ rotation has six arms: Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. However, Mendoza said the Mets could get “creative” to get Senga involved again, per Sanchez.

Senga looked like an ace to start the year. It’s hard to believe that he fell off so hard after a stint on the injured list. The Mets are hoping he can get right in Triple-A and dominate for the team in October.