After facing challenges early in the season, the New York Yankees took Devin Williams off the closer position, yet thanks to a recent upturn in form at the pitcher’s mound, the previous award recipient might be making his way back into the closer role—though he isn’t dwelling on that possibility.

During the winter, Williams was brought aboard by the Yankees from the Milwaukee Brewers. At the start of the season, he had an ERA of 11.25, which led New York to conclude his tenure as the team’s closer. Nonetheless, after pitching six consecutive games without giving up any runs, Williams managed to lower his ERA to 6.88 towards the close of May.

However, he isn’t concerned about the possibility of reclaiming his position at work.

“It isn’t important at the moment,” Williams stated to the

New York Daily News

. “It doesn’t matter.”

Before joining the Yankees, Williams was a two-time National League Reliever of the Year for the Brewers. He’s since been replaced by Luke Weaver, and manager Aaron Boone doesn’t sound like he’s thinking of making a change back just yet.

“We’ll see,” Boone said. “No plans right now. I feel like so many of our guys down there, Devin included, are throwing the ball really well. Obviously, Luke’s done outstanding in the role. So we’ll see. We’ll just see as we go.”

Williams is entering the final year of club control on his deal. Being a closer would certainly increase his market value. The potential of returning to the role may be there in the future, but for now, he’s focused on what he can do on the mound, and showing he’s still one of the best as a setup pitcher is keeping his stock high.

What I’m saying is, I keep recording zeroes,” Williams stated. “But you all seem fixated on this issue. It’s constantly being questioned. But really, it doesn’t matter much. Whether I allow runs in the eighth inning or in the ninth, those runs contribute equally. The impact is identical.


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Yankees Pitcher Shuts Down Concerns Over Role

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