Mets' Senga Gets First Career Save, Then Rookie Throws Away Ball
Edited by Casualplayhub News Editorial. Source: Morgan County Citizen Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The New York Mets’ 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night at Truist Park delivered a milestone moment for Kodai Senga—his first career save—but it came wrapped in a layer of comedy that left the pitcher laughing, his rookie teammate red-faced, and the crowd with an unexpected souvenir.
Senga, making his fourth major league season and recently transitioned to a short-relief role, worked a clean ninth inning. He struck out Matt Olson and Michael Harris II to start, then walked Ozzie Albies before getting Mauricio Dubón to fly out to right field. That final out landed in the glove of rookie Carson Benge, who, without a second thought, turned and tossed the ball into the Atlanta stands.
What Benge did not realize: Senga, well aware of the significance of his first save, wanted that ball as a keepsake. As the pitcher watched from the mound, his arms outstretched and mouth agape in disbelief, he and catcher Francisco Alvarez both called for the baseball—but it was too late. Benge, spotting Senga’s reaction, put both hands on his head in embarrassment. Senga doubled over in laughter.
After the game, a smiling Senga, speaking through an interpreter, said, “I think Bengie is trying to tell me I should have just punched him out.” The moment went viral on social media, with MLB’s official X account posting a clip of the blunder.
Senga’s save opportunity came because the Mets placed closer Devin Williams on the 15-day injured list earlier in the day. Interim manager Andy Green had been noncommittal about who would close, but with New York leading 8-5, he turned to Senga. The right-hander had not allowed a run in his previous three relief appearances, a stark contrast to his season as a starter: 0-8 with an 8.12 ERA across eight starts and eight relief outings.
Senga arrived from Japan before the 2023 season on a $75 million, five-year contract, designed to be a frontline starter. He delivered immediately, going 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts, earning an All-Star nod and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in Cy Young balloting. But injuries and ineffectiveness have plagued him since, aside from a strong stretch early in 2025.
The last-place Mets, now 6-1 on a nine-game road trip, have been buoyed by a significant sell-off ahead of the trade deadline that thinned their bullpen. Senga’s shift to relief has provided a spark—and a memorable, if unintended, highlight.
Article commentary
Kodai Senga’s first career save—a quirky, human moment—underscores a broader narrative of adaptation and resilience in a season gone sideways for the Mets. The comedic toss by rookie Carson Benge, while lighthearted, reflects the chaos of a team in transition. Senga, once a $75 million ace-in-waiting, has been reduced to a short-relief role after a string of injuries and poor performance. His 0-8 record and 8.12 ERA as a starter this season tell a grim story of a pitcher who lost his command and confidence. Yet in the bullpen, he has found a new rhythm: three scoreless appearances, including a save. That shift may be a desperate gamble by an interim manager, but it also highlights Senga’s willingness to adapt. The souvenir ball incident, while funny, points to a deeper issue: communication breakdowns on a young, reshuffled roster. Benge, a rookie, likely never considered that a veteran pitcher would want a memento from a relief appearance. The Mets’ clubhouse, still reeling from a trade deadline sell-off, is learning to navigate new roles and relationships. Senga’s reaction—laughter instead of anger—suggests a healthy perspective. The Mets have won six of seven on this road trip, a surprising burst after a dire season. Whether Senga can sustain his relief success remains to be seen. His fastball velocity and splitter command, once elite, have fluctuated. But the mental shift from starter to reliever may be the catalyst he needs. For the Braves, the loss was a footnote. For baseball fans, the image of Senga doubling over while Benge covers his face will linger. It’s a reminder that even in a sport of statistics and pressure, joy and human error still have a place.