Devin Williams, sidelined since Aug. 7 with a shoulder strain, is nearing a return to the New York Mets bullpen. The closer threw his third session off a mound on Monday at Citi Field and is slated to face hitters for the first time on Thursday.
If these progression steps go well, Williams could be fast-tracked back to the major league club without a rehabilitation assignment, with less than two weeks remaining in the season. Interim manager Andy Green stated that Williams "looked good on the mound today" and that his "stuff was coming out really well," though he cautioned that more checks are necessary before an official activation.
Williams expressed a desire to finish the season healthy and have a "normal offseason." He would be rejoining a bullpen that has seen significant development in his absence. Kodai Senga has impressed in a fill-in closer role, and Nate Lavender and Daniel Duarte have also shown strong performances.
"For the most part, they’ve been lights-out," Williams said of the current bullpen. "I think moving forward it’s going to be really beneficial for a lot of these guys. … The only way to get good in those situations is by being put in them. So I think they’re all getting a lot of really valuable experience."
Senga has embraced his recent closer duties but has indicated a preference for his starter role. Williams noted Senga's success, stating, "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 added, "I’d love to have him in the back end. I can’t really speak to what he wants."
In other team news, the Mets were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention following a 2-1 loss to the Orioles. A.J. Ewing has been performing well offensively, reaching base in 12 of his last 13 games with a slash line of .370/.434/.640 in that span. Additionally, pitcher Cionel Pérez has begun a rehab assignment in Double-A Binghamton after being out with a left forearm strain since July 29.