Boone’s words on Williams inadvertently reveal Yankees’ hidden concerns

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The Yankees find themselves navigating treacherous early-season waters as closer Devin Williams‘ rough start raises eyebrows throughout the organization—despite manager Aaron Boone’s steadfast public support. The statistical evidence paints a troubling picture: four appearances yielding a bloated 12.00 ERA and an alarming 3.00 WHIP. Yet beneath Boone’s reassuring messaging lies an organization increasingly anxious to see their prized bullpen acquisition rediscover the dominance that made him such a coveted offseason target.

Boone support showup for Williams reveals Yankees fears

From the manager’s perspective, Williams’ struggles stem not from diminished stuff or physical issues but rather from execution deficiencies. “I think it’s just as simple as that next level of strike throwing,” Boone said ahead of Friday’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants. “To where he is dictating counts and now he gets unpredictable with if they want to sell out on the changeup or the fastball.”

This assessment followed Williams’ concerning performance in Detroit just two days earlier, where he transformed a comfortable 4-0 advantage into a nail-biter by surrendering three earned runs. The situation deteriorated to the point where Mark Leiter Jr. had to enter for the save after Williams loaded the bases and yielded a two-run single.

Despite these warning signs, Boone remains convinced that minor adjustments will right the ship. “To me, it is just a notch better with the strike throwing,” he said. “Making sure he is commanding that fastball to set everything up.”

April is historically challenging for Williams

Yankees supporters fretting over Williams’ alarming 12.00 ERA might find comfort in historical patterns. The early season has traditionally represented Williams’ most challenging period, with his career ERA during March and April hovering above 3.00—his highest of any calendar month.

The 2022 season provides a particularly encouraging precedent. That year, Williams surrendered four earned runs across his first four appearances before settling in and delivering a stellar campaign that concluded with a sparkling 1.93 ERA. This trajectory represents precisely what Boone and Yankees brass are banking on happening again.

Did cold weather hamper his signature pitch?

Environmental factors have significantly contributed to Williams’ early difficulties. All four appearances have occurred in outdoor venues amid frigid temperatures. His Detroit outing particularly highlighted how cold weather can compromise pitch grip effectiveness.

Williams’ devastating changeup—the foundation of his success when properly executed—depends critically on touch and feel. Imperfect grip conditions cause the pitch to flatten out, transforming it from unhittable to eminently attackable. Statcast data confirms the pitch currently lacks its characteristic depth, resulting in hard contact when it enters the strike zone.

Velocity concerns emerging amid troubling statistics

Another worrisome indicator involves Williams’ fastball velocity. He’s currently averaging 93.2 mph, representing a nearly two-mile-per-hour decrease from his established norm of 95 mph. Though his spin rates and movement profiles align with historical benchmarks—suggesting the issue isn’t injury-related—the combination of reduced velocity and inconsistent location creates vulnerability.

The consequences appear in his performance metrics: a hard-hit rate approaching 60% and opposing batters generating exit velocities significantly higher than Williams typically allows.

A closer examination of Williams’ initial Yankees outings reveals concerning patterns:

• 4 appearances
• 3 innings pitched
• 5 hits, 4 earned runs
• 4 walks, 3 strikeouts
• 12.00 ERA, 3.00 WHIP

Even his lone successful save came fraught with tension, as he allowed two walks and a hit before escaping. “I haven’t felt like 100 percent myself up to this point.”

Yankees betting on repetition over replacement

Despite these red flags, Boone shows no inclination toward demoting or temporarily reassigning Williams. With the team amid a grueling 13-day, 13-game schedule block, regular pitching opportunities could provide exactly what Williams needs to establish rhythm and confidence.

“He’s our closer so you’re not just going to force him in too much,” Boone said. “Again, he is going to get through this. It’s just that next layer, the next level of strike-throwing. And once he does that, he will be in a good spot.”

The organization clearly views Williams as a cornerstone rather than a stopgap solution. Acquired during the offseason to stabilize a bullpen that shouldered tremendous responsibility throughout an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, Williams’ track record suggests he possesses the tools to eventually fulfill that vision.

Unacknowledged urgency builds up

Beneath Boone’s composed exterior lurks increasing pressure. With the starting rotation missing ace Gerrit Cole and relying on inconsistent performances from Marcus Stroman and Carlos Carrasco, the Yankees simply cannot afford instability in the ninth inning.

Compounding matters, the offense that exploded during season-opening contests has significantly cooled in recent outings. This offensive regression places even greater emphasis on the bullpen’s ability to protect narrow leads. Should Williams fail to quickly rediscover his form, Boone might face difficult decisions regarding late-inning management—at least temporarily.

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