DETROIT — Rookie sensation Nolan McLean demonstrated again on Tuesday that he’s capable of leading the New York Mets’ starting rotation through September and beyond, if they’re playing in the postseason.

In that regard, the Mets are fortunate. Such a role once belonged to Kodai Senga. But since returning from the injured list in July, Senga has pitched so poorly that the Mets are noncommittal about his next start.

With Senga, the Mets are considering a few possibilities, including potentially asking him to accept an optional minor-league assignment, people familiar with their thinking said. Senga, however, may not be assigned to the minors without his consent, according to his contract.

Senga said Tuesday night that he is willing to do whatever it takes for him to get better and help the team.

As of Tuesday, the Mets were still discussing all options.

A potential demotion because of poor performance would present a significant fall for Senga, who finished runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year and was an All-Star in 2023. After pitching in just one regular season game in 2024, he initially looked strong in 2025, producing a 1.39 ERA through his first 14 outings. He has posted a 6.56 ERA in 35 2/3 innings since then, however, and while he offers high-end potential, the Mets possess other options in David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Jonah Tong and McLean, with prospect Brandon Sproat also lingering in Triple A.

The Mets’ rotation beyond the next few days is up in the air. Holmes is set to pitch against the Tigers in the series final Wednesday. The Mets are off Thursday. Peterson is scheduled to start Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, with the rookie Tong likely to follow Saturday. Senga’s next turn would line up as Sunday.

Senga, who was named an All-Star in his debut season, has struggled in his age-32 season. (Kent J. Edwards / Getty Images)

But Senga hasn’t completed six innings in a start since June 6. The Mets need to get him right while also helping Sean Manaea (5.60 ERA) rediscover his form.

When asked ahead of Tuesday’s game to clarify whether Senga and Manaea are in the Mets’ rotation, manager Carlos Mendoza said, “They are until they are not. … We haven’t made any decisions yet. We are going to be flexible and we’re going to take advantage of off days and continue to have those discussions.”

Mets officials entered the year believing that Senga and Manaea could provide a 1-2 punch atop New York’s rotation. How untenable would the situation be if not for McLean?

The Mets, who hold a five-game lead over the Reds for the final wild-card spot, can afford to skip Senga’s next start or give him time in the minor leagues, in part, because of the way McLean has performed. Through just four starts, he has assumed the role of frontline pitcher.

McLean’s latest gem provided another encouraging sign. In the Mets’ 12-5 win over the Tigers on Tuesday, he once again resembled a veteran, struggling early only to find his way and dominate against a team that entered the game with the best record in the American League.

McLean’s first two innings against the Tigers: 2 runs, 3 hits, 3 walks, 1 strikeout, 1 whiff, 41 pitches.
McLean’s last four innings against the Tigers: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts, 6 whiffs, 49 pitches.

Early, McLean failed to command his big-spin breaking balls, but he adjusted by attacking with his sinker and changeup. Later, he resumed using his sweeper, and found more success. It helped that the Mets scored five runs in the fourth inning, but the 24-year-old made notable changes the inning prior with his first 1-2-3 frame of the game. He then added three more.

Nolan McLean of the @Mets is the second MLB pitcher to go 4-0 with a sub-1.50 ERA and 25+ strikeouts over his first 4 career starts (since ERA became official in both leagues in 1913).

The other was Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. pic.twitter.com/suQHBVxJtl

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 3, 2025

“Another impressive outing from him,” Mendoza said. “That’s what you call pitching. Understanding you have to make adjustments and find a way to go five or six innings.”

Before the game, Mendoza acknowledged that expectations are “through the roof” for McLean, who improved to 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA. As much as Mendoza wants to quell expectations, McLean keeps offering reasons to expect more. He does not seem bothered by the stage, either.

“I’m just going out there trying to compete,” McLean said. “I’m trying to give my team the best chance I can to win, and try to get as many outs as I possibly can get in a baseball game.”

Catcher Luis Torrens, who supplied a three-run home run, was more stimulating with his perspective.

“He has that attitude and that flair of a superstar,” Torrens said.

Considering the state of the pitchers who should’ve been leading the rotation, McLean’s presence is just what the Mets need.

(Photo: Vincent Carchietta / Getty Images)