Over the offseason, the New York Yankees traded Nestor Cortez and Caleb Durbin for star closer Devin Williams. However, he has not excelled at his closing duties, posting an ERA of 11.25, a record of 0-2, and 4 for 5 in save opportunities. On top of this, hitters have a .343/.455/.457 slash line against him.
In a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Williams was put in the 9th inning with the Yankees leading 8-4. Williams had a meltdown, allowing four runs that inning, resulting in the game going to extras. Ultimately, Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda hit a walk off two-run home run in the 10th to cap the comeback.
Then against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, Williams was put in with a 2-1 lead. At the end of his appearance, the Blue Jays were leading 3-2, and the Yankees lost 4-2, with the final run being a person WIlliams put on base.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, said that Luke Weaver will “get a lot” of save opportunities over Williams, but he didn’t say that Williams wouldn’t still be used in important, nine inning spots. For now, he will be used in less important situations.
Weaver has been close to perfect this season, having given up no runs, and converting two saves with 14 strikeouts in 14 innings.
To become the closer again, Williams must perform as the shut-down reliever he was in Milwaukee, getting ahead and counts while also making his fastball and changeup better against hitters. In order for the Yankees to reach their post-season dreams, they need Williams to be the Williams they saw in the National League last year.