Yankees let Williams flaunt airbender but hold back two key pen arms

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Devin Williams‘ first appearance in pinstripes offered a tantalizing glimpse of what Yankees fans can expect in the ninth inning this season, while simultaneously highlighting the organization’s methodical approach to bullpen management this spring.

Williams, acquired from Milwaukee in the offseason trade that sent Nestor Cortes to the Brewers, finally made his spring training debut Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The two-time All-Star wasted no time showcasing his signature “Airbender” changeup, striking out Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto with the devastating pitch.

“It was fun to watch and see the discipline of making him get the ball up a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said following the outing. “He laid off a couple of good ones down, then moved it enough.”

The ‘Airbender’ makes its Bronx debut

Williams threw his renowned changeup on six of his 12 pitches against Philadelphia. The pitch, nicknamed for its seemingly physics-defying movement, has been the cornerstone of Williams’ success. Over the past three seasons, he has posted a 1.87 ERA with 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings, establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier late-inning weapons.

Yankees catcher Austin Wells, experiencing Williams’ arsenal in game action for the first time, came away impressed.

“It’s a great pitch,” Wells said. “It’s what makes him so good. … It just does different stuff every time, and with the arm angle, it’s hard to pick up.”

Williams also mixed in his mid-90s fastball and experimented with a cutter, a pitch he’s looking to incorporate more frequently this season. Despite the additional offerings, both Williams and the Yankees understand that the changeup remains his bread and butter.

“I don’t need that swing to know [it’s working],” Williams said after Realmuto’s strikeout. “If it feels right, I usually know and the computer tells me it’s doing what it’s supposed to do.”

Why haven’t Weaver and Hamilton pitched yet?

While Williams’ debut provided excitement, equally noteworthy is who hasn’t appeared in games yet. Veteran relievers Luke Weaver and Ian Hamilton have yet to pitch in spring training games, part of a deliberate strategy by the Yankees’ coaching staff.

“We don’t put a huge stock in them getting into a lot of games,” Boone explained. “Some of our established relievers, as long as they’re getting their work and live BPs in, as long as we build them to that back-to-back capability… no rush with a few of the guys.”

Hamilton was briefly sidelined at the beginning of camp with an infection but has resumed throwing. Weaver, who transitioned from starter to reliever last season, logged 84 regular-season innings plus another 14⅓ innings during the Yankees’ postseason run in 2024.

Boone noted that the Yankees leaned heavily on Weaver during the stretch run and playoffs last season. For a pitcher adjusting to relief work after years as a starter, the workload presented unique physical challenges. The organization is taking a cautious approach to ensure he’s prepared for another potentially lengthy campaign.

Both relievers are expected to see game action within the coming week.

Bullpen competition intensifies

As Opening Day approaches, the Yankees are evaluating options for their eight-man bullpen. With Williams, Weaver, and Hamilton considered locks, competition for the remaining five spots has intensified.

• Mark Leiter Jr. and Tim Hill are strong candidates given their experience and effectiveness.
• Fernando Cruz and non-roster invitee Tyler Matzek have performed well in early camp sessions and could earn spots.
• Yoendrys Gómez, who is out of minor league options, Yerry De Los Santos, and Brent Headrick all hold 40-man roster spots and are competing for roles.
• Colten Brewer and Geoff Hartlieb are also non-roster righties pushing for consideration.
• Clayton Beeter, a promising young arm, could factor into the bullpen mix once he’s fully healthy following an offseason shoulder issue.

Marathon mentality

The Yankees’ measured bullpen approach underscores a broader organizational philosophy prioritizing long-term durability over early-season readiness. While some teams ramp up relievers quickly in spring training, New York is taking a more calculated approach with its high-leverage arms.

Boone emphasized that the organization’s priority is ensuring players reach optimal conditions for the most significant games of the season.

This strategy reflects lessons learned from recent seasons when bullpen fatigue became a factor during crucial late-season and playoff moments. By carefully managing workloads from spring training forward, the Yankees aim to maintain bullpen effectiveness through a potential seven-month campaign.

The bullpen construction represents a critical element for a Yankees team with championship aspirations. After reaching the World Series last season, the organization has made strategic additions like Williams while implementing a long-term approach to pitcher health.

As the March 27 opener against Milwaukee approaches, the Yankees’ bullpen management strategy offers a window into their methodical preparation for what they hope will be another deep October run.

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