Calling Devin Williams’ start to the season “rough” might actually be putting it lightly. The New York Yankees closer has struggled mightily through his first 10 outings, posting an alarming 11.25 ERA, a 2.38 WHIP, and just a 1.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite the team publicly backing him as their ninth-inning option, Friday night’s performance against the Blue Jays only made matters worse.
Tasked with protecting a slim 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth, Williams lasted just 12 pitches. He gave up two hits and three earned runs, including a leadoff single by George Springer, a hit-by-pitch to Andres Gimenez, and an RBI double from Alejandro Kirk — all of which flipped the score to a 3-2 Blue Jays advantage. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Bronx crowd quickly turned on Williams, chanting “We Want Weaver” in frustration.
Though fans clamored for Luke Weaver, the Yankees instead called on Mark Leiter Jr. to clean up the mess. The veteran reliever delivered, tossing 11 pitches, allowing just one hit, and keeping the score where it was. Meanwhile, Weaver has quietly become a fan favorite, opening the season with 13 consecutive scoreless innings, just three hits allowed, and a stellar 0.62 WHIP, along with 13 strikeouts, five walks, and two saves.
After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was pressed on whether Williams would remain the team’s closer. His answer offered little clarity. “We’ll see,” Boone said. “We’ll talk it through. The game just ended.”
With mounting pressure from fans and better options emerging, Williams’ grip on the closer role appears to be slipping fast.
Leave a Reply