Kodai Senga may not want to be the Mets closer forever, but he’s off to a pretty good start.
Senga pitched another scoreless ninth inning Sunday in a 4-3 win over Washington at Citi Field, helping the Mets finish a sweep of the Nationals.
And while the right-hander still hasn’t pitched on consecutive days — something he’ll need to do if he stays in the role — Senga did at least warm up in the eighth inning Saturday after pitching Friday night.
The workload has so far not affected Senga, bumped to the bullpen after an ugly stretch as a starter.
On Sunday, Senga entered — again to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” much to the delight of the Citi Field crowd — to protect a one-run lead.
Unlike his first two save opportunities, which both came in three-run games, Senga had no margin for error against Washington.
He retired the side in order, striking out the final two batters of the game.
Interim manager Andy Green said Senga is “handling [the role] really well.”
As Luis Torrens said through an interpreter, Senga is “adjusting quickly” to pitching in the ninth inning and closing games.
“He’s doing everything we want him to do now,’’ Green said.
Since being moved to short-inning relief appearances, Senga has pitched five times.
Over five scoreless innings, he’s allowed just one hit and a pair of walks while striking out seven.
How that translates to his future with the Mets will be a matter for somewhere down the road, although Senga wants to get back into the rotation at some point.
“We’re all enjoying what he’s doing now,’’ Green said. “It’s huge for us. Every single player wants to impact winning and he’s done that in a profound way the last 10 days.”
With Devin Williams sidelined indefinitely with a strained shoulder, Senga will continue to get opportunities to make an impression.
Luis Robert Jr.’s first game in left field was uneventful, as the veteran outfielder was shifted over so A.J. Ewing could go back to center.
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What was more noticeable about the Mets defense in the outfield was the standout defense by Carson Benge, who made two excellent plays against Washington.
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The first ended the top of the first, as Benge raced down Dylan Crews’ shot to the right field wall, with Benge crashing into the fence after making the play.
Benge then helped Christian Scott get through the sixth inning with a sliding catch of Daylen Lile’s fly ball to shallow right.
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“He’s defending the field well,” Green said of Benge.
Nate Lavender got two more big outs, entering in the seventh with two on and one out.
Green noted that both were lefties at the top of the lineup — including C.J. Abrams.
Lavender, Green said, “Has elite confidence and conviction in his pitches … He’s got good stuff and a different look.”
Bo Bichette reached base in all four of his plate appearances.
