Devin Williams’ nightmare continues this season, following a disappointing performance on Monday night in the game between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres, with a final score of 4-3 in favor of the Padres.
Williams entered the game in the eighth inning with the Yankees leading 3-0. He came out with two outs, both by strikeouts, and the bases loaded after conceding a hit and two walks, leaving Luke Weaver, who recently replaced him as the team’s closer, to clean up the mess. Weaver allowed two two-run hits, losing the lead and leading the Yankees to a defeat.
Williams was charged with three runs, raising his ERA to 10.03 in 14 games this season. The pitcher was greeted with boos from the fans, who stayed to witness his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since being demoted from the closer role.
Both bases by balls obviously aren’t what you’re looking for, but I was battling myself at the landing point. It’s tough to command the fastball today.
Devin Williams
Williams attributed his performance to his inability to adapt to the field conditions due to the rain. He had problems with his landing spot, which affected the release point of his fastball. Of his 12 fastballs, seven were balls, mainly veering towards his glove side.
Despite starting with a strikeout of Martin Maldonado, he then walked Tyler Wade and Luis Arraez, in addition to a single to Brandon Lockridge, which led to the bases being loaded.
Weaver allowed a two-run double to Manny Machado and a two-run single to Xander Bogaerts, losing the lead. The fourth run was credited to Weaver, being the first earned run he allowed this season, with an ERA of 0.59 in 15 and a third innings.
I feel good, I feel confident on the mound. I felt like I was in a good place. It’s one of those nights where you’re not just battling the hitter, you’re battling the mound. But we’re all given the same circumstances and I couldn’t overcome it tonight.
Devin Williams
Williams, 30, has historically been a slow-starting pitcher, but he had never had problems of this magnitude. In his more than six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams achieved an ERA of 1.83, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and being selected for two All-Star teams thanks to his changeup, known as “Airbender”.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented that the main problem is control and avoiding putting runners on base. Boone is confident that Williams will regain his form and be dominant.
Williams has already heard the boos from the fans, both on opening day and in his last appearance as a closer against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he allowed three runs without getting any outs. Carlos Rodon, who had an outstanding performance, expressed his support for Williams, understanding the pressure that comes with it.
I’ve been through it. I know what it feels like. It’s not easy. But we got him for a reason. He’s a great pitcher. He just needs to build that confidence and know what kind of pitcher he is. He’s very good. He’s tremendous. We have him for a reason and it’s an incredible breaking pitch. Just go out there and pitch with some confidence.
Carlos Rodon
