New York Mets closer Devin Williams is set to begin throwing within days following a right shoulder strain suffered three weeks ago. The right-hander aims to return before season’s end, evaluating his health before entering the upcoming MLB offseason.
Williams has been confined to shoulder strengthening exercises since heading to the injured list. Signed to a three-year, $51 million contract, the veteran relief arm carries a 4.66 ERA over 42 relief outings in 2026, though he successfully converted 16 of 19 save chances. He remains determined to pitch again this year. “The standings are what they are, but I would like to contribute and go into the offseason on a good note and healthy, and it’s pretty important to me,” Williams stated. Addressing his performance before the injury, Williams kept a simple outlook. “I had a good stretch, and I had a few bad games. I kind of did that a couple of different times. I just show up and give it my best effort. I don’t really think about whether I am on a good streak or not.”
With veteran relievers Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, and Huascar Brazobán traded away at the deadline, New York rebuilt its bullpen on the fly. Starter Kodai Senga shifted into the closer spot, converting his first four save chances before taking a loss on Sunday against the White Sox. Younger arms like Nate Lavender and Daniel Duarte have locked down crucial late innings alongside Jefry Yan, Jonathan Pintaro, and Dedniel Núñez to keep the team afloat.
New York entered Friday at 60-74, sitting last in the NL East. But a 13-8 surge after the trade deadline showed spark. “I think we have shown our ability a little more than we have throughout the course of the season — like, what this team could be,” Williams explained. The core has built momentum even while slugger Juan Soto recovers from a calf strain. “The talent level of the guys in here and what they are capable of has definitely started to come through the further we have gotten in the season.” Williams hopes his upcoming throwing progression gets him back into high-leverage action before October. Getting healthy remains his top priority.
