Williams (shoulder) could be activated this weekend

Williams ended up missing six weeks with a shoulder strain. He figures to make a couple of structured appearances this week, likely prior to the ninth inning. Kodai Senga is likely still the favorite for saves in the Mets pen.

Williams heads to the shelf after registering a disappointing 4.66 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 51/21 K/BB ratio across 38 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has converted just 16 of his 19 save chances this season. A quick glance under the hood reveals a more palatable 3.29 xERA and a bloated .388 BABIP, but his Mets debut has been an unmitigated disaster. His absence thrusts New York into a closer by committee situation with Kodai Senga and Daniel Duarte as the most likely candidates to inherit save opportunities, with rookie lefty Nate Lavender representing a dark horse for the role.

Pitching for the first time in five days, Williams did not have it. He nearly blew a four run lead, but was bailed out by a critical outfield assist from Brett Baty and beautiful sliding play by Marcus Semien to end this game. Otherwise, he showed poor command the Pirates were teeing off on him. He dealt with a bout of arm fatigue earlier this according to Mets brass, so it was at least nice to see him back on the mound.

The Mets rallied to tie this game in the ninth inning and after scoring one run in the 10th, Duarte rather than Devin Williams came in for the save in the 10th. It was reported after the game that Williams was unavailable with general arm fatigue and should be ready to go in the coming days, so expect this as a one-off opportunity for Duarte. Expect some chaos in this Mets’ bullpen – apart from Jefry Yan’s leaping strikeout celebrations – though if Williams’ fatigue turns into anything more serious after they shipped out four relievers and two starters at the trade deadline.

This certainly explains why Daniel Duarte got the call to close out the Guardians with a one-run lead in the 10th inning. Williams hasn’t pitched since throwing 14 pitches in a non-save situation over the weekend. Green added that they expect him to be available for Thursday’s contest, which is encouraging news for fantasy managers.

As always, Williams made things interesting in the ninth inning by allowing a leadoff walk to Heriberto Hernandez. He battled back though to strike out Griffin Conine and Jakob Marsee before getting Javier Sanoja to pop out to second base to end it. Williams continues to bring his ratios down as the season progresses, now sporting a still unsavory 4.29 ERA and 1.63 WHIP to go with his 16 saves in 19 attempts.

Williams struck out one and allowed one hit as New York took the first of the doubleheader. He’s remained the team’s locked-in closer all year despite another ERA over 4. There just haven’t been as many save opportunities as projected entering the season. The Angels are the only team with fewer saves than the Mets, capping Williams’ chances. It doesn’t help that he hasn’t returned to his Milwaukee form, as some expected following his lone season with the Yankees.

Williams took over with a 4-1 advantage and tore right through the heart of the Phillies’ lineup, getting Bryce Harper on a ground ball to second base, Brandon Marsh on a line drive to left and Alec Bohm on strikes to end it. It has been a rough season overall for the Mets’ closer, sporting a 4.73 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and a 44/19 K/BB ratio over 32 innings while converting 14 of his first 17 save chances.

Williams gave up a leadoff single, but he then got a routine double play ball with one out, only for Francisco Lindor to boot it and retire no one. Two walks followed, with the second forcing in a run. Jarren Duran then hit a little popup behind second that dropped in. It was a ball that the second baseman would have handled if the infield hadn’t been drawn in, and Carson Benge came up just a tad short of catching it while racing in from right. That tied the game before Masataka Yoshida lined into a double play to prevent further damage. It’s Williams’ second blown save in a week, but while he owns the walks, this was much more Lindor’s doing than his.

It was mostly just job well done by the Braves. Ozzie Albies hit a double on a changeup low and out of the zone, and Matt Olsen followed by taking a 95-mph fastball up in the zone out the other way to left. The homer was the third allowed by Williams this season. He’ll certainly be down on Tuesday after throwing 52 pitches the last two days. Unless the Mets want to use Luke Weaver for a third straight day, Huascar Brazobán could close.