NEW YORK — The pressure is mounting on every level for the Mets.
As the Mets enter a three-game series with the Nationals, beginning at 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday night at Citi Field, they are looking to shake off a three-game sweep to the Rockies. They have lost 15 of their last 17 games and find themselves tied for the worst record in Major League Baseball with the Nationals.
The tension begins with the offense, which has scored two runs or fewer in 11 of their last 17 games. It continues with manager Carlos Mendoza, who has seen two other managers - Alex Cora and Rob Thomson - lose their jobs in the recent games.
It continues with David Stearns, who constructed the new roster on the heels of 2025's massive disappointment.
The 9-9-9 challenge from Willets Point Brewery is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The challenge is to drink the 9 mini beers and the 9 mini hot dogs in 9 innings.Cave Dabreo, poses for a photograph with his vegetarian empanada, at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Dabreo, of Dunellen, NJ, is the owner of Eat the Cave.Willets Point Brewery's backyard burger is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.Blue and orange sprinkles top the home-run apple pie shake from Shake Shack is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.Adam Rickman speaks to the press during a What's New at Citi Field media event, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.The kimchi reuben by The Queensboro is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.The strawberry short-stop dip cheesecake, by Mr. & Mrs. Met's Candy Shop, is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.The Mets held their What's New at Citi Field media event, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.1 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosThe 9-9-9 challenge from Willets Point Brewery is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The challenge is to drink the 9 mini beers and the 9 mini hot dogs in 9 innings.1 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosThe 9-9-9 challenge from Willets Point Brewery is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The challenge is to drink the 9 mini beers and the 9 mini hot dogs in 9 innings.2 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosCave Dabreo, poses for a photograph with his vegetarian empanada, at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Dabreo, of Dunellen, NJ, is the owner of Eat the Cave.3 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosWillets Point Brewery's backyard burger is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.4 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosBlue and orange sprinkles top the home-run apple pie shake from Shake Shack is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.5 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosAdam Rickman speaks to the press during a What's New at Citi Field media event, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.6 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosThe kimchi reuben by The Queensboro is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.7 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosThe strawberry short-stop dip cheesecake, by Mr. & Mrs. Met's Candy Shop, is displayed at Citi Field, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The food was displayed for the What's New at Citi Field media event.8 / 8See new food options at Citi Field in 2026 in photosThe Mets held their What's New at Citi Field media event, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.The only thing that will solve that angst is winning results.
The offense's quest should be favorable one on Tuesday night as Nationals starter Zack Littell enters with an 0-3 record and a 7.56 ERA. Littell has allowed three runs or more in four of his five appearances and has surrendered a combined 14 earned runs in his last two starts.
The Mets have one of their most dependable arms on the mound in Clay Holmes, who enters with a 2-2 record and a team-best 2.10 ERA among the club's rotation. Holmes gave up two earned runs in seven innings in his second quality start of the season last time out against the Twins.
Follow along for updates and analysis as the Mets and Nationals open their three-game series on Tuesday night:
The Mets' starting rotation will have a different look through its next turn.
The team announced on Tuesday afternoon that Kodai Senga (0-4, 9.00 ERA) had been placed on the 15-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation. Senga will be shut down from throwing for seven to 10 days.
The veteran right-hander was replaced on the roster by Christian Scott, who will line up to start Friday's series opener against the Angels. David Peterson will reenter the rotation for Wednesday's start against the Nationals after his last two appearances (seven innings, one earned run) came out of the bullpen.
The Mets also have further questions within their lineup. Juan Soto continues to serve as the team's designated hitter on Tuesday after revealing he was dealing with forearm tightness on Friday. Soto has continued to throw and the issue does not impact him on swings. Mendoza said he should be back in the field in a few days.
Luis Robert Jr. was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game as he tends to lower back tightness. Mendoza said the outfielder is considered day to day.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets vs Nationals live score, updates and highlights today