Koki Saga’s MLB slump and Kazuma Okamoto’s home run spark contrasting outcomes

New York Mets pitcher Koki Saga (千賀滉大) struggled in his start against the Chicago Cubs, allowing seven runs in 3 ⅔ innings for a 10.08 ERA. Mets manager Carlos Mendes said, “We can’t keep having games like this. A decision will be made soon,” as the club weighs options such as designating Saga for assignment, a bullpen demotion or a minor‑league assignment.

In contrast, Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto delivered a decisive performance against the Houston Astros, hitting a tying solo home run and a go‑ahead double that helped the Blue Jays secure a 4‑2 victory. Okamoto’s 17th career home run also moved him past former teammate Hideki Matsui’s record for Japanese players in their first MLB season.