Kodai Senga pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first MLB save in the New York Mets' 8-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Senga, who expressed a desire to keep the baseball as a memento, was denied when teammate Carson Benge threw the final out to a fan.
"I think Bengie is trying to tell me that I should have just punched him out," Senga said after the game, referencing the fact that he struck out the previous two batters to end the inning.
Senga's save comes amidst a challenging period for the Mets' bullpen, which has seen several key departures. Closer Devin Williams was placed on the injured list Monday with a right shoulder strain. Williams had been dealing with shoulder fatigue and pitched through it in his last outing on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he allowed two earned runs. Interim manager Andy Green stated that Williams' injury is not considered serious and the team is hopeful for his return this season, estimating a timeline of "a few weeks" before he can resume throwing.
The Mets traded four veteran relievers before the trade deadline: A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver, and Huascar Brazobán. This series of moves has created new opportunities and responsibilities within the bullpen.
Green indicated that the closer role will be fluid in Williams' absence, but acknowledged Senga's potential. Senga has recently transitioned to higher-leverage relief situations following the bullpen's overhaul. Before Monday's appearance, he had pitched two shutout innings in similar roles over the preceding week. Senga expressed confidence in his current physical condition and ability to perform in short outings.
Senga's move to relief occurred last month after he faced struggles as a starter, carrying an 8.29 ERA overall at that point. The right-hander acknowledged the potential challenge of pitching on consecutive days, a situation he has not experienced before as a reliever.
"I have not done that before, so I don't know what's to come," Senga said. "I don't know what to expect, but as a reliever it's something that most of these guys do and experience, so that may be coming down the road, but it's to be seen."
The Mets' bullpen also features left-handers Nate Lavender and Jefry Yan, along with right-hander Dedniel Núñez, who returned from Tommy John surgery rehabilitation. Daniel Duarte has also provided a boost, posting a 1.04 ERA in 12 appearances, including a scoreless two-inning outing on Monday.
Green stated that his closer strategy will depend on game situations, expressing confidence in multiple pitchers to handle high-pressure moments.