Kodai Senga demonstrated renewed effectiveness during his first major league appearance as a reliever, despite allowing the game-deciding home run in the New York Mets' 5-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Senga pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four.
Interim manager Andy Green praised Senga's performance, stating, “He was really good today.” The 2023 All-Star had previously struggled as a starter, posting a 10.08 ERA in his first seven starts before being moved out of the rotation. The Mets utilized Senga in relief due to a shortage of available relievers after recent heavy workloads.
Senga expressed no complaints about the transition to the bullpen, noting that the team provided him ample time to warm up for a role he has not frequently occupied. He appeared comfortable facing Phillies batters Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper, and seemed to have rediscovered his forkball.
His most significant challenge came in the sixth inning when he walked Alec Bohm, followed by a double from Brandon Marsh. Senga then used his forkball to strike out J.T. Realmuto and Derek Hill, with Bryson Stott grounding out in between.
Remaining in the game for the seventh inning, Senga faced the top of the Phillies' order for a second time. With no other reliever immediately available, Senga delivered a 1-2 count fastball to Schwarber that was hit for a two-run homer, which proved to be the difference in the game. Senga acknowledged that he could have executed the pitch better, aiming to locate the fastball higher and outside the strike zone.
"You get to 1-2 on one of the best hitters on the planet, you want to locate better," Green commented. "I don’t want to take anything away from his outing — he came out of the bullpen, he gave five really strong innings."
The Mets, who are currently operating with four starting pitchers and have an off-day scheduled, could benefit from Senga's resurgence. Senga himself indicated that his future role will be determined by his performance, stating, “If I can’t compete and be in the zone … then I don’t deserve a spot in the rotation. But on the flip side, if I am able to compete, I do feel like I can throw in the rotation.”