Devin Williams is not the same pitcher after his 2024 back injury, and this is likely a reason for his recent Yankees struggles.
When the Yankees acquired Devin Williams during the offseason, they anticipated the two-time All-Star would lock down the ninth inning with his mesmerizing “Airbender” changeup — a pitch that had transformed him into one of baseball’s premier relief specialists. Instead, as the 2025 season unfolds, Williams’ performances have sparked growing speculation about potential physical limitations affecting his effectiveness.
Saturday’s collapse against the Tampa Bay Rays proved particularly alarming, as Williams surrendered four ninth-inning runs, converting a comfortable four-run advantage into a devastating 10-8 extra-innings defeat. This setback represents just one chapter in what has become a concerning pattern for the 30-year-old right-hander. Through only nine appearances, Williams has already blown multiple save opportunities, fueling questions about whether his 2024 back injury continues to hamper his delivery.
The numbers tell a troubling story
In just 41 batters faced this season, Williams has already yielded more hits and earned runs than his entire abbreviated 2024 campaign, which ended prematurely due to stress fractures in his upper back. His walk rate has skyrocketed, with seven free passes issued already, approaching the 11 walks he distributed across 88 batters last year.
Most concerning has been the diminished effectiveness of his signature Airbender changeup. Despite increasing its usage from 45% to 57%, Williams has watched opponents’ batting average against the pitch climb by 124 points, while slugging percentage has jumped 117 points higher than previous seasons.
Following Saturday’s disappointing outing, the Yankees closer offered a simple explanation: “Maybe using it too much,” he told reporters. “We’ll work on that.”
Though certain metrics remain encouraging — his fastball velocity shows only minimal decline and batted balls still register below league-average exit velocities — the command inconsistencies and higher contact rates on his changeup have raised legitimate concerns about his current capabilities.
The impact of his 2024 back injury
Williams spent most of last season sidelined with stress fractures in his back. While he avoided surgical intervention, the recovery demanded a methodical, patient rehabilitation program before his carefully monitored return to competition.
Since then, observers have identified notable mechanical adjustments in his delivery. Most significantly, Williams has sacrificed over six inches of his typical release extension. His fastball now emerges from a wider, more crossfire-oriented angle as he shifts toward the third-base side during his delivery — modifications potentially designed to protect his back or unconsciously compensate for lingering discomfort.
While no conclusive evidence indicates Williams remains physically restricted, these mechanical adaptations suggest a pitcher either consciously protecting against reinjury or evolving his approach following recovery.
One league scout observed that Williams no longer displays the same explosive athleticism coming down the mound, but compensates for this change with increased deception and altered throwing angles.
Is the Airbender still sustainable?
Williams’ renowned changeup has always required significant torque — demanding precision and physical exertion. Its dramatic lateral movement depends heavily on extension and wrist action, both potentially compromised by back issues.
Curiously, despite throwing the pitch more frequently, Williams has seen a 26.4 percentage point increase in contact rate against it, meaning hitters are connecting more solidly than ever before. This sharp efficiency decline, paired with his increased reliance on his fastball (now deployed 61% of the time), suggests Williams may be conserving his arm and back by favoring physically less demanding pitches.
In previous seasons, his fastball complemented the Airbender perfectly. Currently, with the changeup losing deception and the fastball slightly diminished in velocity, his overall arsenal has lost effectiveness.
Williams’ difficulties have manifested in high-leverage failures on April 6 and April 9, culminating in Saturday’s implosion. All three performances resulted in negative Win Probability Added, costing the Yankees valuable victories early in a fiercely contested AL East race.
No official words, but signs to watch
It’s too early to definitively say that health concerns are behind Devin Williams’ struggles with the New York Yankees, but the possibility can’t be ruled out entirely. As of May 2025, Williams has not been placed on the injured list or reported any specific injury, but his diminished command and reduced effectiveness have raised questions.
MLB insider Joel Sherman addressed the speculation during a recent broadcast, stating: “Williams has a track record, but you can’t ignore the body language. Something looks off — whether it’s mental, physical, or both.”
Sherman didn’t confirm health concerns but hinted that behind-the-scenes issues could be affecting performance.
There has been no official statement from the Yankees about Williams dealing with an injury. However, pitchers often experience slight, nagging issues—like shoulder tightness or elbow discomfort—that don’t immediately result in time on the IL but still impact performance.
The Yankees may also be cautious in how they use him moving forward, with discussions about moving him to lower-leverage situations to “reset.” This could help determine whether it’s a mechanical or physical issue.
While there’s no confirmed health issue, Williams’ struggles could be a combination of adjustment difficulties, possible minor physical issues, and the mental toll of pitching in New York. The Yankees are expected to monitor him closely, and any prolonged dip in velocity or control could prompt deeper medical evaluations. For now, patience is key—but so is vigilance.
Signs of hope?
Not all indicators spell doom. Williams’ fastball movement profiles remain consistent with his successful seasons, and analytical models still rate both his fastball and changeup above average, with the changeup maintaining elite characteristics by certain metrics.
The Yankees believe that, should the MLB’s top closer regain command and develop a sustainable pitch mix that minimizes physical strain, he can still anchor their late-inning relief corps.
The question persists: Is Williams adapting to a new normal following injury, or experiencing a temporary slump that adjustments and improved health can remedy?
Williams has yet to deploy a cutter he developed during spring training, which might provide a middle ground between his fastball and changeup. If incorporated effectively, this pitch could help restore balance to his approach and reduce overreliance on the Airbender.
For now, the Yankees have limited alternatives but to continue trusting Williams, hoping his experience and resilience guide him through this challenging period.
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