The star relief pitcher has had an uneven start with his new team
In an interview with Gary Phillips, a Yankees beat writer for NY Daily News Sports, Williams was blunt about these struggles. In a Twitter post, Phillips provided context to the star relief pitcher’s response.
“Devin Williams said, ‘I haven’t felt like 100% myself up to this point,’ but he said he’s fine physically. Attributed struggles to needing game reps & lack of execution. He added he’s struggled in the early parts of the season before. The Yankees’ closer entered the day with a 3.03 career ERA in March/April. That’s his highest ERA in any month.”
One of the newest pitchers who is living up to the hype so far this season is Max Fried. The former Atlanta Braves ace signed a massive long-term contract with the Yankees this offseason. With Gerrit Cole out, Fried is now the clear-cut No. 1 pitcher in this rotation, and he’s undoubtedly lived up to that billing. The lefty is 2-0 in three starts with a 1.56 ERA.
Overall, now is not the time for Devin Williams or the Yankees to panic. This group is currently 7-5 and tied for first in the AL East. There are many young players on this roster in key roles who should improve as this season continues. Hopefully, Williams follows suit and delivers like the elite bullpen option he’s been throughout his entire career.
