Luke Weaver’s hamstring injury created an opening in the Yankees bullpen. Devin Williams seized the moment without hesitation. The veteran reliever didn’t squander his second chance at closing games, though his return comes with measured expectations.
Williams preserved a two-run advantage Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. He helped the New York Yankees defeat the Cleveland Guardians 3-2 in a crucial series opener. The performance wasn’t perfect — Cleveland scored once and put the tying run in scoring position — but Williams completed the save after Carlos Rodón’s excellent start.
The All-Star lost his closing duties five weeks earlier following several inconsistent outings for the Yankees. He appeared more like his dominant self against Cleveland. Williams required 30 pitches to navigate the ninth inning. Carlos Santana doubled and Daniel Schneemann drove in a run with a single before Williams induced a game-ending flyout.
“I feel really good. I feel confident,” Williams said after the Yankees’ victory. His command looked sharper, reflecting the improvement he’s shown throughout May after a difficult beginning to his Yankees career. “I felt really good tonight. Santana put up a really good at-bat there, [they] found some holes. But I felt good overall.”
Williams’ journey back to closing Yankees games
Williams endured early-season difficulties that resulted in an 11.25 ERA before losing his Yankees closer designation. The struggles represented a challenging transition to New York following his December trade from Milwaukee. After accepting a setup role for most of May, the experienced right-hander has found his rhythm again.
He entered Tuesday’s game with 13 scoreless appearances in his previous 15 outings. That impressive stretch, combined with Weaver’s unexpected injury, made his return to the Yankees’ closing duties logical.
“He’s in a really good place and… throwing the ball the way that will allow him to excel in the [closer’s] role,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained.
Devin Williams, after recording his sixth save of the year, on being in position to close games regularly again. #YANKSonYESpic.twitter.com/3yT0y1V1zf
Boone also stressed adaptability in his bullpen usage. Williams appears to be the primary closer currently, but the Yankees won’t depend on him exclusively. Mark Leiter Jr., Jonathan Loáisiga, Tim Hill, and recently activated Fernando Cruz will all handle high-pressure situations based on matchups and availability.
“Depends who’s available that day and who you use to get there,” the Yankees manager said, suggesting Williams won’t carry the entire ninth-inning burden alone.
Weaver’s surprising changes plan for Yankees
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Weaver had assumed closing responsibilities in late April and quietly became one of the Yankees’ most dependable relief pitchers. After struggling as a starting pitcher in Cincinnati with a 6.78 ERA in 2023, he flourished in shorter appearances wearing pinstripes.
The 31-year-old right-hander was caught off guard by a hamstring injury that occurred while warming up Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. Though he never entered that game, the injury was significant enough to place him on the injured list for at least one month — possibly through the All-Star break.
For now, the Yankees must rely on their bullpen depth and internal alternatives to replace his production.
Boone’s bullpen construction continues evolving throughout the season. Jake Cousins — a reliable contributor in 2024 — started a minor league rehabilitation assignment Tuesday at Class A Hudson Valley. Will Warren and Ryan Yarbrough remain candidates, to transition into relief roles as the Yankees evaluate roster requirements approaching the July 31 trade deadline.
Yarbrough has particularly impressed during spot-starting assignments. His flexibility could provide Boone with another late-inning weapon. The Yankees front office has historically discovered bullpen value through trades and reclamation projects. They may seek additional relief help before the season’s final stretch.
Boone’s current strategy resembles a closer-by-committee system without officially declaring it as such. The Yankees haven’t given up on Williams completely. They simply want to avoid previous mistakes when excessive reliance on one pitcher led to fatigue or costly errors.
With New York leading the American League East, their broader bullpen philosophy is clear: pursue immediate success while managing workloads intelligently with October baseball in mind.
Williams’ statistical profile
ESPN
Devin Williams maintains an elite skill set despite his early struggles. The 30-year-old entered Tuesday’s contest with a 3.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. His devastating changeup remains one of baseball’s most difficult pitches to hit when properly located.
The ninth inning presents unique challenges beyond Williams’ control. The pressure, attention and Yankees fan expectations can overwhelm even accomplished relievers.
Williams acknowledged that adapting to the New York environment has been demanding.
“It’s a big adjustment to make, just in life,” he said. “I was still figuring it out at the beginning of the year.”
Williams’ return to form remains crucial regardless of whether he closes every game or shares responsibilities.
