Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Yankees Closer Devin Williams Navigates Early Season Challenges
DETROIT —
Yankees closer Devin Williams has made a less than seamless return to the mound, experiencing some turbulence in his initial outings with the team. Despite sporting his signature beard, Williams is still seeking consistency in his performance. This was evident on Wednesday when his shaky ninth inning required intervention from Mark Leiter Jr., who ultimately secured a narrow 4-3 victory against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Ninth Inning Struggle and Self-Assessment
“I am still working through some aspects,” admitted Williams, following a performance where he conceded three runs on two walks and two hits while recording just two outs in the final inning. “I haven’t quite felt like myself to this point, but I believe I am progressing in that direction.”
When questioned if he was experiencing any physical issues, Williams affirmed he felt “fine,” attributing his struggles to a need for more game experience and improved command on the mound to find his rhythm.
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Analyzing Initial Appearances
Through his first four appearances, Williams has yet to record a clean inning. He has allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks, while striking out five batters across three innings pitched. His outings have included:
- A precarious save on Opening Day against the Brewers.
- Surrendering the game-winning hit against the Pirates on Sunday in the 11th inning.
- Wednesday’s near blown save against the Tigers.
Manager Boone’s Perspective and Confidence
Despite the shaky start, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Williams’s ability to rebound. “I am confident that this will soon be a distant memory as we move forward, because he is not far from being where he needs to be,” Boone stated. “Slightly improved strike-throwing and command of the count will make all the difference. Once he achieves that, his quality will shine through. He will overcome this early season phase.”
Breakdown of Wednesday’s Inning
Entering Wednesday’s game with a 4-0 lead in the ninth, Williams encountered immediate trouble. He loaded the bases with two outs via a single and two walks.
The Tigers managed to score their first run when a spiked changeup evaded catcher Austin Wells, followed by two more runs driven in by Zach McKinstry’s single.
Reliever Change and Team Support
Reaching 33 pitches, Boone opted to replace Williams with Leiter, after Luke Weaver delivered a scoreless eighth. Leiter secured the final out, needing just two pitches to end the game.
“Devin is undoubtedly one of the premier closers in baseball, so it was important to come in and support him, as he consistently supports us throughout the season,” Leiter commented.
Factors Contributing to Early Struggles
Boone suggested that Williams’s limited recent game action could be a contributing factor. Williams had an extended break between his first and second appearance due to a three-day paternity leave.
Williams Focus on Improvement
Williams himself emphasized the need to establish better command early in counts and improve the location of his fastball and changeup.
“It is challenging as a reliever to make significant adjustments between outings,” Williams acknowledged. “However, this is not the first time I have had a less than ideal start to a season. The only course of action is to continue working.”