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Devin Williams update leaves Mets with decision to make on Kodai Senga
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- Devin Williams update leaves Mets with decision to make on Kodai Senga
The New York Mets did not expect Kodai Senga to become their closer this season. They certainly did not expect him to make a case for keeping the job.
Senga has found a new role in the Mets' bullpen after struggling as a starter. Since taking over the ninth inning, he has converted all six of his save opportunities and posted a 1.54 ERA in 12 appearances.
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Now Devin Williams is getting closer to a return.
Williams threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since suffering a right shoulder strain in August. He remains hopeful that he can return before the regular season ends, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
That creates an interesting problem for the Mets. Williams entered the season as their closer after signing a three-year, $51 million deal. He struggled before the injury, though, recording a 4.66 ERA and 16 saves in 38.2 innings.
Senga has given New York a much-needed answer since Williams went down. He recorded his first career MLB save on Aug. 11 and has continued to handle high-leverage situations with surprising success.
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The Mets still have reason to give Williams the ninth inning if he returns. They invested heavily in him for that role, and his track record remains far better than his uneven first season in New York suggests.
But Senga has changed the conversation.
The former starter has shown that his arsenal can play in shorter outings, and the Mets have already started testing him on back-to-back days. That experience could also help shape his role in 2027.
The Mets are out of the postseason race, so there is little reason to rush Williams back. If he returns later this month, New York can afford to ease him in and see how his shoulder responds.
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That also gives the Mets time to decide whether Williams should immediately reclaim the ninth inning or whether Senga has done enough to keep it.
For a team already looking toward 2027, that may be the more important question.
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