Andy Green supports Devin Williams as Mets' closer even with challenges

Mets’ Closer Struggles Continue Despite Manager’s Support

Devin Williams had a tough outing on Sunday, but it may not be entirely fair to pin the blame on him. His missed save came alongside a crucial ninth-inning error from Francisco Lindor, which certainly played a role in the situation.

Williams, who had a rough time with the Yankees last season, hasn’t exactly found his rhythm with the Mets either. In fact, he’s given up runs in three of his last four games leading up to the All-Star break. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for him.

Still, interim manager Andy Green is sticking by Williams. Even with Luke Weaver—another former Yankee—stepping up, Green indicated that Williams would remain the team’s closer in the second half of the season. After a string of three losses to Boston, including a tight 3-2 in 10 innings, Green was asked about a possible change. He replied, “I’m not thinking about it at this point.”

Williams has had his ups and downs since joining the Mets, struggling early on and facing more challenges in 10 subsequent appearances. “I definitely didn’t have my best command, and that happens sometimes,” he admitted about Sunday’s performance.

On the contrary, Weaver has made quite an impression since his arrival, showcasing some solid skills on the mound. However, Green pointed to Williams’ experience as a reason to keep him in his position. “Devin has been at it for a long time and he’s done it really well,” he mentioned. Green also noted that some of the setbacks Williams faced, at least in this case, were due to unfortunate luck.

Besides Lindor’s mishap, Jalen Duran added a hit that scored another run, compounding Williams’ challenges. Unfortunately for him, he allowed two hits and two walks in that decisive inning. Green did acknowledge that Williams managed to execute some positive plays during the game.

Meanwhile, Bo Bichette was sidelined for his third consecutive game, still dealing with pain in his right ankle. He returned briefly to pinch hit in the bottom of the 10th but couldn’t change the outcome, producing a soft liner to first base to end the game. Coach Green mentioned before the game that they would limit Bichette’s role to just pinch-hitting for now, using the upcoming holidays for extra rest. However, Bichette expressed optimism, saying he felt ready to contribute by Thursday’s game in Philadelphia.

In other news, Marcus Semien, who is recovering from a left hip flexor strain, hit a home run and recorded two hits during a minor league rehab game against Double-A Binghamton. Green noted that Semien and Luis Robert Jr., who is dealing with a herniated lumbar disc, might take part in at-bats with Clay Holmes during the All-Star break as they prepare to return to the lineup later.

Robert also found success with two hits against Binghamton on Sunday. However, Green indicated that both players might need more rehab games before they rejoin the team after the break.