The New York Yankees have made a significant decision regarding their closer position by removing Devin Williams from the ninth inning. This announcement was made by Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Sunday, following Williams' disappointing performance in which he allowed three earned runs on Friday night.
In a press conference, Boone stated, "For right now, I'm going to take him out of that role," acknowledging the need for a change after Williams' latest outing. The pitcher, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason, experienced his worst performance of the year, entering the game with a one-run lead only to surrender three runs on two hits and a hit batsman. This dismal outing resulted in his first blown save, marking his second loss and fourth meltdown of the season.
Williams' struggles have raised questions among fans and analysts. His 11.25 ERA (37 ERA+) and a 1.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his first ten appearances indicate a significant decline in performance. Boone commented on the situation, saying, "We'll see about potentially using Williams in lower-leverage situations until he can right the ship. We'll kind of talk through that stuff. This is raw right now." The Yankees are committed to helping Williams regain his form, acknowledging his potential and value to the team.
While Boone did not officially name a full-time replacement for the closer role, he mentioned that right-hander Luke Weaver will be given ample opportunities to take over ninth-inning duties. In contrast to Williams' rocky start, Weaver has been performing exceptionally well, boasting 13 consecutive scoreless innings. This performance puts him in a strong position to step up as the Yankees look to stabilize their bullpen.
The Yankees will need to closely monitor Williams' progress as they navigate the remainder of the season. The team's focus will be on utilizing his talents effectively, whether in high-leverage situations or lower-stakes roles, to help him regain confidence and performance on the mound.
