Overview
- Kodai Senga made his first MLB relief appearance and worked five innings, allowing two runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts in a 5‑4 loss.
- Kyle Schwarber hit a two‑run, go‑ahead homer off Senga in the seventh inning that produced the decisive runs in the Phillies’ win.
- Interim manager Andy Green praised Senga’s aggression and greater use of his forkball, saying the pitch looked like an “elite weapon” in key situations.
- The Mets inserted Senga into a long relief role because several bullpen arms were unavailable due to recent workloads, forcing him to shoulder a starter’s length outing.
- The outing, which came Sunday, offered encouraging signs of improved velocity and pitch mix but the club said future role decisions will hinge on sustained performance and short‑term roster needs.