The New York Yankees made an aggressive move in the offseason and traded for Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, early returns have been disastrous.
Williams is a two-time All-Star and two-time Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year. However, he has already allowed 13 earned runs, which is as many as his last two seasons combined. Against the San Diego Padres on Monday night, he gave up three earned runs in 2/3 innings of work.
Williamns has been taken out of the closer role while he figures things out, so he came out in the eighth inning of the contest. He struck out the first batter he faced. He proceeded to give up a walk and a single before striking out Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis and manager Mike Shildt were ejected following that. Williams then walked Luis Arráez to load the bases. Manager Aaron Boone went to Luke Weaver, who ended up allowing the runners to score. Williams revealed what was to blame for yet another poor outing, according to NJ.com's Max Goodman.
Williams noted that the mound conditions played a factor in his performance.
"Obviously both walks are not what you’re trying to do," Williams told reporters. "I was battling myself there with the landing spot. It was tough to control the fastball today."
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"It was the landing spot to be honest with you," Williams continued. "I couldn’t figure it out with the release point on my fastball. It was getting away from me."
The landing spot may have played a role on Monday night, but it cannot be blamed for his struggles since the start of the season. Williams is having the worst year of his career after the Yankees thought they were getting a shutdown closer. While he gave up three runs, Williams does feel that he is getting closer to being the player the Yankees expected.
"I feel good, I feel confident on the mound," Williams told NJ.com. "Felt like I was in a good spot. It’s one of those nights where you’re not only battling the hitter, I was battling the mound."
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