The Mets’ season has been anything but predictable, a reality underscored on Friday night as Kodai Senga took the mound in a surprising closer role during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals. As the iconic beats of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” reverberated through Citi Field, Senga prepared to secure a crucial win.
This outing marked a significant moment for the Mets right-hander, who previously only faced short-inning relief duties away from his home turf. Senga didn’t disappoint, clinching the victory by delivering a flawless inning that sealed a 4-1 triumph over the Nationals.
This performance was yet another in Senga’s string of successes, marking his fourth consecutive scoreless relief outing and his second time earning a save this season.
With the absence of Devin Williams, sidelined by a strained shoulder, interim manager Andy Green indicated that Senga will be a bullpen mainstay in the foreseeable future.
“He’s been performing well,” Green asserted. “Senga’s been relentless in his approach, consistently attacking the strike zone. We’re confident he’ll continue to handle high-pressure situations effortlessly.”
That could be in the eighth inning as well, depending on matchups, according to Green.
And Senga is doing his best to embrace the new role, which came after he repeatedly flopped as a starter following his standout rookie season.
“It’s easier to prepare when you know you’re going in later in the game,’’ Senga said through an interpreter. “You’re always physically and mentally prepared.”
One part of working as a reliever Senga has yet to do is throw on back-to-back days.
“I think I’m well prepared for it,’’ Senga said.
No one was prepared for the song choice, though, as the stadium darkened and the 1980s hit came on, with Senga running in from the bullpen with a three-run lead.
Senga said he chose it because he “heard it for the first time in a while and thought ‘That’s a great song.’ ”
Green approved of the choice and also was impressed again by Senga’s approach.
“I don’t see an ounce of fear,’’ Green said. “I see somebody attack the situation. That’s what you’re looking for.”
None of this is what the Mets had in mind when he signed a five-year, $75 million deal prior to the 2023 season.
At this point, they’ll take what they can get from the 33-year-old, and there is belief that his four-seam fastball/forkball mix may play out of the bullpen.
Green noted that Senga’s final pitch of the game, a forkball that Abimelec Ortiz swung over, was perfect.
Senga retired the first two batters he faced in the ninth before Jacob Young singled to right. He then hit CJ Abrams with a pitch to bring up the potential tying run in Ortiz before ending it.
The 33-year old had a 10.08 ERA after his last start as a member of the rotation on June 23, so nearly anything would be an improvement.
Considering his early success, it’s hardly a surprise to see Senga not shying away from his new job.
He acknowledged the adrenaline is “different’’ coming out of the pen and with another year and $15 million on his deal, Senga may have to get accustomed to it.
Mark Vientos (right hand fracture) is hitting, fielding and did agility drills on the field, but the Mets are not sure when he will start a rehab assignment.
Francisco Lindor continued his recent hot hitting with a homer that tied the game in the sixth, which helped make up for a third-inning error that led to an unearned run.