As closer Devin Williams returned from paternity leave, the Yankees designated recently acquired reliever Adam Ottavino for assignment.
The return of Williams promises to reestablish stability within the relief hierarchy. Known for his devastating changeup and proven ninth-inning abilities, Williams is poised to resume his responsibilities as the team’s primary closer. His presence provides the Yankees with a dependable option for securing victories in close contests.
As the Yankees continue their road trip, the prospect of operating with a complete bullpen arsenal should enhance their pitching strategy. The upcoming series against the Pirates and Tigers will serve as an important test of the team’s adaptability as they reintegrate key relievers into their regular roles.
The Yankees signed Ottavino three days ago and initially created space for by transferring JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list, which opened a position on the 40-man roster.
Ottavino’s history with the Yankees spans the 2019 and 2020 campaigns. His initial season proved remarkable, posting a 1.90 ERA across 66.1 innings while establishing himself as a formidable right-handed setup option. His sophomore year with the club yielded inconsistent results, however, as he registered a 5.89 ERA through 24 appearances during the pandemic-shortened season.
After departing the Yankees, Ottavino joined the crosstown Mets and delivered an impressive 2.06 ERA in 2022, though his performance metrics declined in subsequent seasons. His 2024 campaign with the Mets resulted in a 4.34 ERA and 1.286 WHIP over 56 innings—statistics that appear unremarkable at first glance. Nevertheless, Boone and the front office conducted a thorough analysis of his underlying metrics before orchestrating his brief return.
Ottavino’s value lost in Yankees’ decision
Despite last season’s less impressive ERA, Ottavino’s advanced statistical profile suggests considerable remaining effectiveness. He ranked within the 92nd percentile for expected batting average (xBA), 88th in average exit velocity, and 81st in hard-hit rate, according to Statcast measurements. These figures indicate that while hitters made contact, they struggled to generate solid connections—suggesting an element of misfortune in his surface-level results that the Yankees’ analytical department clearly recognized.
Ottavino’s sinker, averaging just above 92 mph, limited batters to a .231 average and a remarkably low .269 slugging percentage, while his slider—long regarded as one of baseball’s most effective breaking pitches—held opponents to a .225 average during 2024. Combined with strikeout rates ranking in the 86th percentile, Ottavino continues to excel at generating weak contact and missing bats entirely—two essential qualities for high-pressure situations.
Though injuries have most severely impacted the Yankees’ starting rotation this season, their bullpen has not escaped unscathed. The absences of Hamilton, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Scott Effross have reduced Boone’s reliable options for middle-inning situations, particularly from the right side.
Ottavino’s experience and familiarity with the organization was intended to provide the Yankees with a low-risk solution while awaiting the bullpen’s return to full health—a strategy that has now shifted with Williams’ timely return.
This is a developing story. More coming on it…………………..
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