Williams candidate to get start on Saturday

PHOENIX — Trevor Williams has emerged as the most likely candidate to jump into the Mets’ rotation for a cameo on Saturday.

Manager Buck Showalter stopped short Friday of naming the right-hander for the start against the Diamondbacks, but said Williams was a prime consideration. The Mets need the extra starter following the rainout that forced a Tuesday doubleheader against the Giants at Citi Field.

Tylor Megill will remain on regular rest and pitch the series finale against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. Max Scherzer, who pitched the nightcap Tuesday behind Megill, will receive an extra day of rest and will open the series in St. Louis on Monday.

Williams has pitched twice in relief for the Mets, last appearing on Sunday, and could stretch out for multiple innings.

“He would be more than an opener,” Showalter said.

➤ Taijuan Walker threw a side session and could be in position to rejoin the rotation within a week. The right-hander, who is returning from shoulder bursitis, pitched in a rehab game on Wednesday. Showalter said team officials will reconvene Saturday to decide on a plan.

➤ Entering Friday, the Mets’ bullpen had a 17-inning scoreless streak over five games. Overall, that unit owned a 3.19 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 21 walks. ➤ Showalter, who managed the Diamondbacks from 1998-2000 — he was hired at the franchise’s inception — said he’s still struck by the number of familiar faces at Chase Field.

“There’s a lot of people still here that we brought in, I feel good about that,” Showalter said. “From the groundskeeper to the clubhouse guys, I see a lot of them, it’s been fun.”