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.

The New York Mets optioned right-hander Kodai Senga to Triple-A Syracuse after a string of poor outings, the team said Friday, a move that required the pitcher's consent under his contract.

The New York Mets have sent a struggling veteran to Triple-A to try to get on track. The Mets optioned right-hander Kodai Senga to the minors on Friday, the team announced. Senga has a 6.56 ERA in his last eight starts and the team was noncommittal about keeping him the rotation after he surrendered five runs in 4 ⅔ innings against the Miami Marlins last weekend.