In a challenging season for the Mets, Devin Williams is focusing on getting healthy, and it seems he’s close to making a comeback.
The closer, sidelined since August 7 due to a shoulder strain, has recently completed his third mound session at Citi Field and is slated to face hitters on Thursday. If that goes well, it’s likely he’ll be quickly moved back to the major league bullpen, with only a couple of weeks left in the season.
“He looked good on the mound today,” commented interim manager Andy Green, who monitored most of the session but reminded everyone that there are still steps to complete before an official return. “His stuff was coming out really well.”
Williams believes that ending the season on a healthy note and having a regular offseason would be ideal. Should he return, he’d find himself in a bullpen that’s changed quite a bit since he last participated earlier in the season.
In his absence, Kodai Senga has impressed as a makeshift closer. Meanwhile, Nate Lavender has been exceptional in filling in for Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter, and Daniel Duarte is making a strong case to be part of the Mets’ future.
“For the most part, they’ve been lights-out,” said Williams, noting that he would be one of the few veteran relievers in the mix. “I think moving forward, it could be very beneficial for these guys… The only way to improve in those situations is to experience them.”
Senga, while enjoying his role in tight games, has often expressed that he’s more comfortable as a starter, a position he couldn’t maintain this season. If Williams returns, it might shift Senga’s role a bit, though Williams seems open to the idea of both contributing in critical moments.
“He’s 6-for-6 in save opportunities. He’s striking guys out, throwing 100 mph with an effective forkball. What more could you ask for?” Williams remarked about Senga. “I’d love to have him in the back end, but I can’t really say what he wants.”
Following a 2-1 loss to the Orioles, highlighted by Gunnar Henderson’s home run in the eighth inning off Dedniel Núñez, the Mets (69-81) have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
In the game, A.J. Ewing hit a home run in the fourth inning, marking his 12th time reaching base in the last 13 games, during which he’s sported an impressive .370/.434/.640 line.
Senga managed to navigate a scoreless ninth inning, striking out three batters while maintaining a 1.88 ERA since his late-season promotion.
Meanwhile, Cionel Pérez, recovering from a left forearm strain since July 29, has thrown two scoreless innings in Double-A Binghamton as part of his rehab. He’s expected to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, with plans for the Mets to assess his progress afterward, according to Green.
