Imagine the best relief pitcher of the club failing to close the game with the desired statistics. The result? The manager of the team might switch the closer to a different reliever. That’s what happened in the Bronx during a game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. While the New York fandom was expecting a thrilling win against their Canadian counterparts, the game for the Yankees went for a toss in the last few innings. Reason? The Yankees’ closer, Devin Williams, blew the save in the 4-2 loss against the Blue Jays on Sunday, April 26th.

Following this, the Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, decided to take Williams out of that role. In the aftermath of his disappointing performance against the Blue Jays, the Yankees fans showed no mercy to the newcomer. This has to be the lowest point for Williams in his early career with the Yankees. Entering the game with a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, Williams failed to record an out, surrendering three runs that led to the unexpected loss. Fans were quick to label him as a ‘Playoff Bottler’ and were largely skeptical of his performance in pressure situations on social media as well as in the stands. Williams’ throw in the 9th inning was mocked ruthlessly by the fans. 

However, after Boone’s decision, Williams conceded to the manager’s stance and shared his perspective on the whole incident. “Given how things have gone recently, it’s really no surprise to me. Being the closer is a position you have to earn, and you have to keep earning it to stay in that role. Lately, I haven’t been doing that.” Williams seems to understand that this particular role is dependent on the results, which haven’t gone in his favor lately. 

Despite it all, while talking about the best pitchers and relievers in MLB, it is difficult not to keep Williams in the conversation. His performance against the Blue Jays was in stark contrast to what it was for the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2022, when he tore through the heart of the lineup with his signature changeup, featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Bo Bichette. 

Therefore, much was spoken of ahead of his move to New York from Milwaukee. But his appearances so far in the season have not been impressive, with him now losing his closer role to Luke Weaver. The move made by the manager is understandable, as Weaver offers more stability, adaptability, and effectiveness during a crunch situation. And now, Williams reckons that he doesn’t expect to reclaim the role for the Yankees after their disappointing loss. 

During his interaction with Gary Phillips for the NY Daily News Sport, Williams mentioned that his top priority currently is “putting the zeroes” on the scoreboard, a role which he successfully played for the Brewers. While admitting that the closer role is well suited to his teammate, Weaver, he didn’t hide his emotions of disappointment, as well. 

Williams reflects on losing closer role for Yankees

Williams made his debut in MLB for the Brewers back in 2019 and served them for six seasons before making a move to the Yankees. He also won the National League Reliever of the Year in 2020 and 2023 and the Rookie of the Year title following his debut season. No wonder there was so much buzz around The Airbender’s arrival in the Bronx Bombers. 

But in the 11 games so far this season for the Yankees, Williams possesses an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.11, going along with a 0-2 win-loss record. In the 9 innings pitched, the Missouri-born has allowed 12 hits, 7 walks, and 10 earned runs and has struck out 9 batters. 

“It’s disappointing. You work for years to get to that point, and having it taken away isn’t a fun feeling at all. But I can’t say it’s undeserved,” shared Devin Williams. 

This goes to show that nothing in this world comes easy, especially in the high-octane world of baseball. Designations are only provided for the deserving. However, Williams’ criticism regarding his performances is being seen as an act of maturity. 

But losing his place as a closer might be a tough pill to swallow for the 30-year-old. Of course, Williams isn’t the only one struggling with the transition with a change in setup. The likes of Carlos Carrasco and Julio Rodriguez have also struggled in their transition phase.

The emergence of Weaver has filled a void for the Yankees and given some space for Williams to find his mojo again, but this is just a temporary fix. The Yankees still root for Williams for the closer role and treat this as nothing more than a rough patch, given his incredible resume in MLB.