Mets officials have been impressed by the early performance of rookie left-handed pitcher Nate Lavender, who has become a key component of the team's recently overhauled bullpen. Lavender has delivered three consecutive scoreless outings since joining the bullpen, spanning 3 1/3 innings and allowing only one hit while striking out five batters.
Lavender was acquired by the Mets via the Rule 5 draft following the 2024 season, having originally been drafted by the organization in 2021. He returned to the Mets this year after being selected by the Rays. "A lot of people were pretty sullen when he got claimed by the Rays," interim manager Andy Green said. "We were thrilled when he came back. We have always trusted the human and the competitor, and I think he has proven himself out here on a big stage pretty quickly."
The team's bullpen underwent significant changes with the recent trades of left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley. Lavender, along with Jefry Yan, has stepped into these newly available roles. Lavender made his debut on Tuesday and has pitched in several high-leverage situations, according to Green.
In other bullpen developments, Kodai Senga is being considered for potential closer duties while Devin Williams remains on the injured list with a shoulder strain. Williams is expected to be sidelined until September. Senga recorded his first Major League save on Monday in a scoreless ninth inning. The team is assessing Senga's physical readiness before potentially asking him to pitch on consecutive days, a feat he has not accomplished in his career. Senga expressed a desire to keep the baseball from his first save, but it had already been given to a fan, who later exchanged it for an autographed ball before Tuesday's game.
Gabriel Arias also made his first start for the Mets on Tuesday, playing first base. Arias provided an additional right-handed bat in the lineup against left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez. He went 0-for-3 at the plate during the game.