Yankees' Aaron Boone Makes Uninspiring Devin Williams Playing Decision

Newsweek

4 hours ago

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The New York Yankees traded Nestor Cortes and Claeb Durbin for All-Star closer Devin Williams in the offseason. Williams struggled early in his Yankees tenure, but has settled back into the closer role.
Williams had an 11.25 ERA through his first 10 games as a Yankee. He was stripped of closer duties in favor of Luke Weaver. Williams started playing better and was thrust back into the closer role when Weaver went to the injured list. Since then, he has a 1.17 ERA and five saves in eight games. However, Aaron Boone still does not seemingly trust him to give the Yankees more than one inning.
On Tuesday, Williams threw just nine pitches in the ninth inning. However, Boone did not send him out for the 10th inning, and he revealed that Williams will not be used like that in the future either.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the ninth inning of the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 03,...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the ninth inning of the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 03, 2025 in New York City. More"Look, he's here as kind of a one-inning guy and that's what he's done the last couple years," Boone said, per the New York Post's Greg Joyce. "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."
Unlike Williams, Boone has used Weaver for two-inning outings multiple times this year. Williams is a two-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. Most of his success has come as a one-inning pitcher, either setting up Josh Hader on the Milwaukee Brewers or as their closer.
"I feel like the bullpen works better when guys are going one inning," Williams said, per the New York Post.
Regardless of how the Yankees use Williams, it is good for the team that he is pitching well again. He is one of the best relievers in baseball when he's at his best, and borderline unhittable.
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