Photo credit: www.forbes.com
For the second consecutive season, the New York Yankees are experiencing a shift in their closer position. This change, orchestrated by manager Aaron Boone, comes earlier in the season compared to last year when Clay Holmes was removed from his closing duties, subsequently transitioning to a starting role with the New York Mets.
The recent decision to demote Devin Williams from the closer’s role has captured headlines, especially as the Yankees prepared for a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, who are underperforming this season.
Williams faced challenges starting from opening day against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he managed to secure a save after allowing a run and throwing a staggering 36 pitches in the process. Following a scoreless outing on April 4, he surrendered a game-ending hit just two days later and was subsequently removed from a non-save situation in Detroit on April 9.
He then managed four scoreless appearances, combining for 56 pitches, but his performance declined markedly when he allowed three runs against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 19. His struggles continued, culminating in a brief outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was pulled after facing only 12 pitches due to a two-run double.
Over ten appearances, Williams allowed the first batter to reach base five times and conceded six hits on his changeup. In contrast, last year, Holmes struggled similarly, blowing 13 saves, with 11 occurring while he was the closer.
Holmes initially faltered in his fourth outing but managed to stabilize until a critical blown save against the Seattle Mariners on May 20, where he allowed four soft hits in extra innings. Despite some shaky performances during the summer, he remained effective overall until losing the closer role after conceding a game-ending grand slam on September 4.
At that time, the Yankees seemed to have moved on from Holmes as a closer. He subsequently fulfilled a setup role adequately, with the exception of a critical moment during the ALCS. The Yankees eventually acquired Williams from the Brewers, whose impending free agency lent urgency to their decision-making process.
By removing Williams from the closer position, the Yankees aim to allow him to regain his confidence, leaving the possibility open for a return to that role either in weeks or months. This decision appears prudent, especially after a commanding doubleheader sweep against the Blue Jays where Williams was not required.
It remains uncertain how the Yankees will utilize him moving forward, but he demonstrated a promising start in his first outing after the shift. In a game against the Orioles, Williams kept a tight score, and had the Yankees managed a comeback, he would have secured the win with a clean eighth inning of 14 pitches. His effective mix of nine fastballs and five changeups marked a positive sign, reflecting a return to form with his signature pitch.
Boone acknowledged Williams’ aggressive approach, noting, “I liked his look out there. He was aggressive in the strike zone, aggressive with his fastball.” These observations indicate that with consistent positive results, Williams could see more save opportunities in the future.
The Yankees are hopeful that these adjustments will facilitate Williams’ return to effectiveness, reinforcing their bullpen as the season progresses.
Source
www.forbes.com