Devin Williams Eyes a Return to the Mets’ Bullpen This Summer

When Devin Williams first landed on the Mets’ injured list last spring, the clubhouse was quiet. The right‑handed reliever, who’d been a steady presence in the bullpen, was forced to watch his teammates grind through games while his own arm went through a grueling rehab routine.

Now, after countless therapy sessions, bullpen work‑outs, and a few setbacks that felt like endless loops, Williams says the tide might finally be turning. ‘I’m definitely feeling better,’ he told the team’s medical staff on Tuesday, a hint of optimism cutting through the usual cautious tone that surrounds any return‑from‑injury conversation.

Williams, who posted a 2.89 ERA in 2022 and became a go‑to option out of the ninth inning, underwent surgery on his left elbow in February. The procedure—though successful—required a lengthy rehabilitation program that has kept him off the mound for over half a season.

“It’s a slow process, you know? One day you feel great, the next you’re back at the beginning of a stretch,” he explained, laughing lightly as he described the ups and downs. “But the guys in the gym have been pushing me, and the doctors are saying I’m on the right track.”

That “right track” is measured not just in physical markers but also in the subtle cues that tell a pitcher he’s ready. Williams spoke about his recent 75‑pitch bullpen session, where he managed to locate his fastball consistently at 95 mph and felt his slider bite return. “When the arm doesn’t feel like it’s fighting you, that’s the sign,” he said, eyes bright.

For the Mets, his potential return couldn’t come at a better time. The bullpen has been a revolving door this year, with injuries to key arms and a few younger pitchers still finding their footing. Manager Buck Showalter has hinted that a fresh, experienced arm could be the missing piece as the team eyes a playoff push.

“Devin brings that veteran composure,” Showalter said in a brief interview. “If he’s healthy, we’ll give him the opportunity to contribute. The timing would be perfect if he’s ready for August.”

Williams, who grew up in Beaumont, Texas, said the support from his hometown has been a constant source of motivation. “Every time I hear a cheer from Beaumont, it reminds me why I’m doing this,” he noted, a hint of hometown pride slipping through.

There are still hurdles. The medical staff will run a final set of functional tests next week, and the team will need to clear a roster spot before the 15‑day option period expires. Yet, for a player who’s always thrived under pressure, the challenge feels like just another part of the game.

“I’m not looking at the calendar; I’m looking at how my body feels,” Williams concluded. “If the numbers line up, I’ll be out there, throwing strikes for the Mets.”