Devin Williams, the Mets closer, is nearing a return after being sidelined since August 7 due to a shoulder strain. He threw his third session off a mound at Citi Field on Monday and is expected to face hitters for the first time on Thursday. If that session goes well, he may be fast-tracked to the major league bullpen without a rehab assignment, as the season has less than two weeks remaining.
Interim manager Andy Green observed Williams' session and noted, "He looked good on the mound today," while emphasizing that there are still more evaluations needed before an official activation. Williams expressed that finishing the season healthy and having a normal offseason is ideal. Upon his return, he would join a bullpen that has changed significantly since the start of the season.
In Williams' absence, Kodai Senga has performed well as a fill-in closer, and Nate Lavender has been effective in replacing Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter. Daniel Duarte has also made a case for a future role with the Mets. Williams commented on the performance of his teammates, stating, "For the most part, they’ve been lights-out. I think moving forward it’s going to be really beneficial for a lot of these guys."
Senga, who has embraced his late-game role, has noted his preference for starting, a position he could not maintain this year. A healthy Williams would likely shift Senga to a lesser role, but Williams is open to the idea of both pitching in late-game situations. "He’s 6-for-6 [in save chances]. He’s punching tickets. Throwing 100 [mph] and with a nasty forkball. What else do you want?" Williams remarked about Senga.
In a recent game, the Mets lost 2-1 to the Orioles, with the deciding run coming from Gunnar Henderson’s eighth-inning home run against Dedniel Núñez, leading to the Mets' mathematical elimination from playoff contention. A.J. Ewing contributed with a home run in the fourth inning and has reached base in 12 of his last 13 games, with a .370/.434/.640 slash line during that span. Senga pitched a scoreless ninth inning with three strikeouts and has a 1.88 ERA since his role was elevated after the trade deadline.
Left-handed pitcher Cionel Pérez, who has been recovering from a left forearm strain since July 29, has begun a rehab assignment in Double-A Binghamton, pitching two scoreless innings. Pérez, who had a 4.21 ERA in 20 games with the Mets, is expected to pitch with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, after which the Mets will evaluate his status, according to Green.