New York Mets at Atlanta Braves

Ninth inning. Mets leading by three. Heart of Atlanta’s order due to bat. It was a classic save situation. Yet when the visitors' bullpen door swung open late Monday night at Truist Park, Kodai Senga \-\- not $51 million closer Devin Williams \-\- was the one who came walking through it. Perhaps this was the seed of something that could help the 2027 Mets. Hours after Williams landed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, Senga filled in with his first career save in an 8-5 win over the Braves, proving once again that he can handle his new leverage relief role. “Didn’t soft-serve him,” interim manager Andy Green said. “Those were some of the best hitters in the league.” The inning began with Matt Olson and Michael Harris II, who fell behind on fastballs before Senga buried them with nearly identical forkballs that dived out of the zone. After a walk to Ozzie Albies, Senga induced a game-ending flyout from Mauricio Dubón to record his first career save. “It’s a great environment for myself,” he said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “First of all, my body feels great. I’m able to go out and perform even in short innings, regardless of the situation.” Williams, who was briefly unavailable last week due to what the Mets termed right arm fatigue, returned Friday in Pittsburgh but allowed two runs in a non-save situation. The team placed him on the IL three days later, calling up right-hander Jonathan Pintaro from Triple-A Syracuse to take his roster spot. Green said the Mets don’t believe “this is long-term serious for him.” “I know he wants to compete for us before this year is out,” Green said. “And I know he wants to get on the mound and finish strong.” Williams holds a 4.66 ERA in 42 appearances. He’s in the first season of a three-year, $51 million contract.