The Mets placed one right-handed pitcher on the injured list and activated another before Tuesday night’s series-opening game in Arlington against the Texas Rangers. Christian Scott landed on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation, ending his year, while Devin Williams returns after being sidelined with a right shoulder strain since August 8.
Scott returned from Tommy John surgery on April 23 and proceeded to put together a fine sophomore season for the Mets. In 23 starts, he posted a 3.85 ERA
with 134 strikeouts and 47 walks in 110 innings pitched. As he soared past his previous career-high in innings during a professional season, the 27-year-old began to falter, as he put up a 5.30 ERA over his final seven starts. His last outing came on Saturday afternoon, when he allowed three runs in 4.2 innings in the Mets’ 10-3 win over the Phillies at Citi Field.
Williams’ first season in Queens has been a mixed bag. The Airbender-brandishing reliever struggled in mid-April, allowing eight runs while recording just six outs in a span of four appearances, but was dominant from that point through late June. He struck out 51 batters in 38.2 innings pitched with the help of a 39.0% chase rate and 34.9% whiff rate, and has successfully converted 16 of 19 save opportunities – all positive signs – yet his 4.66 ERA and 1.66 WHIP aren’t exactly what the Mets had in mind when they signed the veteran to a three-year deal last offseason.
In Williams’ absence, Kodai Senga has emerged as an interim closer of sorts, converting seven consecutive saves to begin his closing career before Pete Alonso took him deep last Tuesday night. In his most recent appearance on Sunday, Senga surrendered three runs while recording just one out against the Phillies. Senga has six games remaining (three in Texas and three in Washington) to bounce back and finish strong out of the bullpen, while Williams will get a final taste of big-league action before the offseason.
