Yankees Facing Devin Williams Decision After Friday's Roster Moves
The New York Yankees announced positive bullpen news on May 16, just ahead of the initial 2025 Subway Series versus the New York Mets.
High-leverage reliever Jonathan Loáisiga is being activated off the 15-day injured list along with right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter. Although the latter was immediately optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
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Left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek was designated for assignment to free up a roster spot for Loáisiga.
New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams on the mound at Yankee Stadium.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
While Loáisiga and his career 3.44 ERA is no doubt a great development for the Yankees, his presence only fuels the uncertainty surrounding the role of big-name trade acquisition and former closer Devin Williams.
After a shaky start that included 4 saves, 2 losses and an ERA over 10.00, the Yankees demoted Williams into more of a set-up and/or high-leverage role.
Luke Weaver took over the closer duties from that point on, allowing Williams to settle in a bit. Since late April, Williams has entered the game in the seventh or eighth inning more often than not, and he's already got 3 holds to show for it.
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Williams has also lowered his ERA to 8.36 as of May 16, and he's generally been much more effective outside of a 3-run outing against the San Diego Padres on May 5.
Still, you have to wonder if Yankees manager Aaron Boone will quickly favor Loáisiga over Williams once the former gets himself back up to speed.
There's something comforting about familiarity, and pitchers like Weaver and Loáisiga have already earned the trust of the Yankees skipper.
Despite his long and successful history with the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams has done nothing to win Boone's confidence in New York. Until he does, it's difficult to predict what sort of role he'll play moving forward.
Related: Recent Yankees Reliever Lands MLB Opportunity With Red Sox
Related: Aaron Boone Calls Juan Soto 'a Killer' Ahead of Yankees-Mets Showdown
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