NEW YORK (AP) — Struggling pitcher Kodai Senga has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse by the New York Mets, who also reinstated catcher Francisco Alvarez from the 10-day injured list on Friday.

The team announced the moves hours before the opener of a critical three-game series at Cincinnati. Brandon Sproat, one of New York's top pitching prospects, is expected to be called up from Syracuse to start the series finale Sunday in Senga's place.

Senga, an All-Star in 2023 and runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year, was the Mets' best starter early this season — but he's been largely ineffective since returning from a hamstring injury in mid-July. The 32-year-old right-hander is 7-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 22 outings overall.

Because of language in his contract, the Mets needed Senga's consent to se

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