ATLANTA — Nate Lavender’s early returns have left the biggest impression on Mets officials just over a week since the bullpen was overhauled.
The lefty entered Tuesday with three scoreless outings in as many appearances, spanning 3 ¹/₃ innings, with only one hit allowed and five strikeouts.
Lavender has joined Jefry Yan to replace A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley, the lefty relievers traded at least week’s deadline.
“He’s pitched in a few tense situations,” interim manager Andy Green said before the Mets’ 4-0 loss to the Braves at Truist Park.
Lavender, 26, was drafted by the Mets in 2021.
He returned to the organization this year after the Rays selected him in the Rule 5 draft following the 2024 season.
“A lot of people were pretty sullen when he got claimed by the Rays,” Green said. “We were thrilled when he came back. We have always trusted the human and the competitor, and I think he has proven himself out here on a big stage pretty quickly.”
The next step in Kodai Senga’s potential evolution into a closer (at least with Devin Williams sidelined) is availability on consecutive days.
Senga, who recorded his first MLB save Monday with a scoreless ninth inning, has never pitched in back-to-back games in his career.
“We want to ensure he’s in a good spot physically the first time you ask him to do that,” Green said.
Williams is on the IL with a shoulder strain that is expected to keep him out into September.
Senga, after recording the third out Monday, wanted the ball as a keepsake, but Carson Benge had already flipped it to a fan. The fan came forward Tuesday and before the game exchanged baseballs with Senga, receiving an autographed one in return.
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Gabriel Arias received his first start for the Mets on Tuesday, as the first baseman. Arias gave the Mets an additional right-handed bat in the lineup against lefty Martín Pérez. He went 0-for-3 at the plate.
