NEW YORK — Devin Williams sat in silence at his locker for over 20 minutes, dressed in full uniform, lost in his phone. When he finally stood to face reporters, he looked defeated. “I’m not making pitches; it’s pretty simple,” he admitted. “I stink right now.”
On Friday, he was called in during the 10th inning of a tied game against the Houston Astros. Unfortunately for the Yankees, his performance contributed to a 5-3 loss. With the Yankees clinging to a narrow lead for a wild-card spot, every game counts.
The night took a turn for the worse when Williams threw a fastball that sailed to the backstop, allowing Jose Altuve to advance. This led to an RBI single from Carlos Correa, met with loud boos from the Yankee Stadium crowd. Moments later, Taylor Trammell hit a two-run homer off Williams, sealing the Yankees’ fate.
Williams has been struggling, allowing eight earned runs over his last 4 2/3 innings. His latest performance was part of a concerning trend. This season, he’s allowed home runs to players who haven’t been strong offensively—like Joc Pederson and now Trammell.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone faces scrutiny too. Many feel it was a mistake to bring Williams into such a high-pressure situation. The bullpen was short on options, and with the game on the line, a shift in strategy was necessary. Luke Weaver could have been considered despite his struggles in the ninth, but Boone decided against it.
Williams joined the Yankees this offseason with high hopes as a potential closer. Now, he’s at a crossroads. If his performance doesn’t improve, there’s a chance the Yankees may release him, especially since he’ll be a free agent soon.
Experts say mental resilience is key for athletes facing pressure. Sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett notes that confidence can significantly impact performance in high-stress moments. “Athletes need to refocus and find their rhythm again,” she explains.
As the Yankees look ahead, they’ll soon have reinforcements in the bullpen. Fernando Cruz, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Ryan Yarbrough are expected to return soon, which could shift the dynamics of the pitching lineup.
For now, Williams has to find a way to regain his form. “I need to put some good ones together and get the ball rolling in the right direction,” he said.
Every game is vital for the Yankees as they chase a playoff spot. They have to decide whether to stick with Williams or make a change that could impact their season.
(Photo of Devin Williams and Carlos Correa: Frank Franklin II / Associated Press)
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