Mets’ Andy Green sounds off on Kodai Senga’s first-ever save in win vs. Braves

The New York Mets may be down for the count, but they are not throwing in the towel. On Monday, the Mets took home an 8-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves, the current NL East leader, thanks to a strong offensive start. New York already scored five runs in the first inning thanks to a Brett Baty grand slam, and the rest of the squad took it from there.

In particular, the Mets’ bullpen, which was already gutted after the many deals they made prior to the trade deadline, was on point. They held the Braves scoreless for the final four innings of the contest — with relievers Nathan Lavender and Daniel Duarte setting up an unlikely closer for New York in former starting pitcher Kodai Senga.

Senga looked like a natural in his first-ever attempt at closing out a big-league game. He did allow a baserunner, but he also struck out two and earned his first career MLB save. Considering how much he’s struggled as a starter this year, the Mets are looking to get the most value out of him by transforming him into a closer — with interim manager Andy Green already looking forward to deploying him in the same role.

“Really good stuff. His first two punchouts were sensational. He was great. Hopefully, he feels great tomorrow and is ready to go again,” Green said, via SNY on X.

"He was great. Hopefully, he feels great tomorrow and is ready to go again."

Andy Green talks about Kodai Senga getting his first MLB save tonight: pic.twitter.com/m6H29eZdnK

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 11, 2026

Senga entered the night with a horrific ERA of 8.29 this year in 15 games (eight starts). The most recent start he made was on the 31st of July, when he allowed three runs and took the loss in a defeat to the Miami Marlins.

Since then, Senga has made three relief appearances (including tonight’s save) and he hasn’t yet allowed a single run. Perhaps the Mets are on to something in rescuing Senga by deploying him in a role that suits him better.

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