{"id":21423,"date":"2026-08-16T16:46:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T23:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/?p=21423"},"modified":"2026-08-16T16:46:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T23:46:40","slug":"kodai-senga-succeeds-as-mets-closer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/2026\/08\/16\/kodai-senga-succeeds-as-mets-closer\/","title":{"rendered":"Kodai Senga Succeeds as Mets Closer"},"content":{"rendered":"

After underperforming at the start of 2026, right-hander Kodai Senga<\/strong><\/a> has found success as the New York Mets<\/a> closer. The Japanese product was once a highly touted starter, but lost out on the role after struggling through the start of this year. With his future in doubt, he replaced an injured Devin Williams<\/strong><\/a> to help the Mets seal four wins in August.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s certainly easier to prepare knowing that you\u2019re going later in the game, easier to prepare, easier to get ready and warm-up,\u201d Senga said.<\/p>\n

Kodai Senga Finds Success<\/h4>\n

Coming into his fourth season in Queens, Senga had much to prove. He looked sharp during his first season in which he made his first All-Star appearance. But, he performed far from ideal in the following two years due to injuries and lack of production.<\/p>\n

The start of this season didn\u2019t go much better for Kodai Senga. He owned an 0\u20134 record through his first five outings, surrendering 17 earned runs and 22 hits. The righty continued to struggle in June, losing three more outings and giving up 13 earned runs.<\/p>\n

However, Senga began to turn his season around upon transitioning to the relief unit. In July, he recorded four strikeouts on three separate occasions while giving up only 10 earned runs across those appearances. From there, the Mets began utilizing him as their closer with Williams injured and options being limited.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Senga will] continue to get those opportunities. I think there will be points in time where we flip it and pitch him in the eighth. He matches up well in the right point in time, but he will continue to get those high leverage opportunities,\u201d interim manager Andy Green<\/strong><\/a> said earlier this week.<\/p>\n

Sealing Wins<\/h4>\n

In four appearances in August, Kodai Senga recorded five strikeouts to help the Mets seal four wins. Two victories came on the road and the latest occurred during the Mets series finale win over the Washington Nationals<\/a>. At Citi Field on Sunday, Senga struck out the final two batters he faced to clinch the 4\u20131 victory. His efforts put the finishing touches on a series sweep for the Mets, who are 10\u20133 since the August 3 trade deadline.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Senga] seems to be enjoying it and we are enjoying what he\u2019s doing right now. He\u2019s been huge for us and in that I think every player wants to impact winning and he\u2019s done that in a pretty profound way over the past 10 days,\u201d Green said following the win.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>