Despite a series of injuries this spring, the New York Yankees got off to a solid start in their season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. Second-year catcher Austin Wells set the tone early by hitting a leadoff home run, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. The team then extended their advantage, carrying a 4-1 lead into the ninth inning.
This presented a perfect opportunity for the Yankees to introduce their new closer, former Brewer Devin Williams. However, Williams struggled in his debut for New York, giving up a run on two hits, one walk, and striking out two batters.
Although Williams eventually secured the save, his performance left much to be desired. After the game, he was asked how he managed to recover from the shaky start in the ninth inning. “You know, just staying focused on the next pitch. You can’t go back in time, so the only option is to move forward,” Williams explained, according to SNY Yankees Videos on X.
Williams’ ninth inning started off rocky, as he allowed a leadoff single to Joey Ortiz, followed by a double from Isaac Collins. He then walked Jake Bauers, loading the bases. The Brewers scored a run with a sacrifice fly by Brice Turang, making it 4-2, and had runners on second and third with one out. However, Williams found his rhythm, striking out Milwaukee’s top hitters, Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, to close out the game and seal the Yankees’ Opening Day win.
The Yankees acquired Williams in a trade with the Brewers during the offseason. With All-Star closer Clay Holmes leaving for the New York Mets in free agency, Williams represents a significant upgrade for the team. Williams, who spent the first six seasons of his career in Milwaukee, has earned two All-Star selections and even received MVP votes following his outstanding 2023 season.
That year, he posted a remarkable 1.53 ERA, 0.920 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts in 58.2 innings. While an injury limited him to just 21.2 innings in 2024, he continued to perform at a high level. After the trade, the Yankees signed Williams to a one-year, $8.6 million deal for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration.
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