Devin Williams lost his job as the New York Yankees closer after repeatedly stumbling during his first 10 games with the team
Manager Aaron Boone made the announcement before Sunday’s doubleheader against Toronto, two days after the two-time All-Star blew a ninth-inning lead in a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays.
“He still has everything to be great, right? He’s a guy that’s in the prime of his career and just going through a tough time,” Boone said. “I tell our players all the time if you make a career out of this long enough, you’re going to face tough times, adversity along the way, and the good news for Devin is he has everything to overcome this and come out the other side, and that’s my expectation.”
Luke Weaver steps in for Devin Williams
Luke Weaver, who took over as closer last September when Clay Holmes faltered, will have the majority of opportunities to finish tight games with the lead. Williams will appear in lower-leverage situations.
“I think the best thing for everyone is to take him out of that role and just try to start developing good rhythm, confidence and momentum,” Boone said.
Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in December for left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin, Williams is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA and four saves in five opportunities. He was booed after just 18 pitches in his career with the Yankees when he allowed the Brewers to load the bases with no outs before preserving a 4-2 victory on Opening Day.
Boone informed Williams of his decision on Saturday, when the Yankees were suspended by rain.
“We had a really good conversation about it yesterday and he’s ready to do whatever it takes,” Boone said. “As you go through these situations as a player, even being really good at it, it’s a struggle. But I think, deep down, he knows he’s going to get through it. It’s just that when you’re going through it, it’s a little bit hard to find that confidence.”
Yankees crush Blue Jays 11-2
Max Fried won his fifth consecutive start, Austin Wells capped a six-run third inning with a three-run double off the suddenly erratic Kevin Gausman, and the New York Yankees crushed the Toronto Blue Jays 11-2 on Sunday in the first game of the doubleheader.
Fried (5-0) allowed a groundout in the first inning and six hits in six innings. He has allowed one run in 20 2/3 innings in three starts after the Yankees losses, and New York has won all six of his starts.
Anthony Volpe hit a home run off Paxton Schultz, and Oswaldo Cabrera drove in a pair of runs with one of the Yankees‘ six doubles.
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