New York Mets interim manager Andy Green has stated that Devin Williams will continue as the team's closer in the second half of the season, despite an inconsistent performance.
Williams has experienced difficulties with the Mets, allowing runs in three of his last four outings before the All-Star break. A blown save on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, which resulted in a 3-2 loss, was partly attributed to an error by shortstop Francisco Lindor, but Williams also struggled with command and allowed multiple hits and walks in the crucial inning.
"Not at this point," Green responded when asked if he was considering a change in the closer role following the recent series loss. He acknowledged Williams' up-and-down season, which included a solid stretch of 10 appearances after an initially rough start, but ultimately pointed to the pitcher's extensive experience.
"Devin has done it so long and done it really well,'' Green said, explaining his decision to stick with Williams. Green also noted that some of the damage against Williams on Sunday was due to misfortune, including a bloop single that scored a run in addition to Lindor's error.
Williams himself commented on his outing, stating, "I didn’t have my best command by any means. That’s the way it goes sometimes."
While Williams has faced challenges, another former Yankee, Luke Weaver, has been performing exceptionally well since joining the Mets. However, Green's decision prioritizes Williams' track record.
In other team news, Bo Bichette was out of the lineup for the third consecutive game due to right ankle soreness, though he indicated he would be ready to play after the All-Star break. Pitchers Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr. are continuing their rehabilitation efforts. Semien, dealing with a left hip flexor strain, homered in a minor league rehab game, while Robert Jr. is recovering from a lumbar spine disc herniation. Both are expected to get more at-bats during the All-Star break as they prepare for a potential return in the second half. Right-handed pitcher Tobias Myers was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the roster.