Williams’ latest message throws a new challenge to Yankees relief strategy

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CINCINNATI — Devin Williams is proving that talent comes with conditions. The New York Yankees reliever’s steadfast refusal to pitch multiple innings is creating strategic complications for manager Aaron Boone during crucial late-game situations.

Williams delivered a masterful nine-pitch ninth inning Tuesday in the Yankees’ 11-inning defeat in Cincinnati. But Wednesday, Boone left him in the bullpen. The reason remains unchanged since 2020: the star reliever only pitches one inning per appearance.

“He’s here as kind of a one-inning guy, and that’s what he’s done the last couple of years,” Boone said. “Look, I think there’s going to be a time when there’s a four-out scenario, but I’m not prepared right now to send him out there for a two-inning outing.”

Williams’ preferences causes Yankees alternations

Williams’ demand represents another accommodation the Yankees have granted their high-priced reliever. Earlier this year, owner Hal Steinbrenner modified the organization’s facial hair policy — established in 1976 — specifically to allow Williams to keep his beard. Now Boone must work around his pitcher’s inning limitations during stretched bullpen situations.

“It definitely keeps guys healthier I think,” Williams said when asked about his preference. “If you want to use guys back to back, it’s one inning and then you’re available tomorrow.”

Tuesday’s extra-inning loss illustrated the problem perfectly. After Williams cruised through the ninth, Boone turned to Mark Leiter Jr., who had already thrown 27 pitches the previous night. Leiter tossed 28 more pitches across the 10th and 11th innings before surrendering the game-ending hit.

“It wasn’t brought to my attention, but obviously I feel like bullpen works better when the guys are going one inning,” Williams added.

Injury history drives current stance

Williams’ inflexibility stems from a September 2020 incident with Milwaukee. The Brewers used him for multiple two-inning appearances during one week, resulting in a back injury that ended his postseason.

“They used me for two innings multiple times in a week, and I ended up hurt,” Williams recalled. “And then I didn’t do it anymore.”

The experience shaped his career approach. Williams hasn’t pitched beyond one inning since September 1, 2023. Multi-inning outings have occurred just 16 times across his 274 major league appearances.

This season marks his first in Yankees pinstripes, and he’s maintained the pattern through 33 single-inning performances. Boone has respected the boundary, but the limitations are becoming more apparent.

Role evolution despite restrictions

Williams struggled early season — a 10.03 ERA through his first 10 outings cost him the closer role that he lost to Luke Weaver.

Since mid-May, the Yankees star reliever has found his form again. He’s posted a 1.53 ERA over 19 appearances and collected six saves while Weaver was injured.

Both relievers are healthy now, and Boone plans to use them interchangeably based on game situations. Williams remains the more complicated piece due to his usage restrictions.

He will pitch consecutive days — he’s done so four times this season. But the Yankees’ bullpen faces increased pressure during extra-inning games or demanding doubleheader schedules.

Roster challenges adds to uncertainty

The Yankees’ relief corps faces additional strain beyond Williams’ preferences. Jonathan Loaisiga was unavailable Wednesday due to illness. He left the clubhouse wearing a mask and didn’t travel with the team. Leiter was likely unavailable after heavy recent workloads.

Williams becomes a free agent after this season. No signs suggest a long-term New York future. The situation places the Yankees in an awkward position: managing their $8.6 million investment while accommodating his demands — and potentially preparing for his October departure.

Boone continues honoring the one-inning restriction for now. But as the postseason race intensifies and pitching depth gets tested — especially without Gerrit Cole and with rotation questions — such luxury could become a liability.

Williams’ recent performance makes him a valuable weapon. Without usage flexibility, however, Boone may find himself constrained when critical decisions arise.

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