Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Closer Struggling - Again

Devin Williams is back in as a closer for the New York Yankees, but his performance leaves little to be desired.
Delilah Bourque|
Jun 3, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 3, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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New York Yankees

The New York Yankees came dangerously close to blowing their 2-run lead against the Cleveland Guardians the other night when relief pitcher Devin Williams gave up an RBI single to Daniel Schneemann, allowing Carlos Santana to score and bring his team within one run of the Pinstripes.

Williams, who was benched in April after a blown save to the Toronto Blue Jays, was back on the mound after his replacement, RHP Luke Weaver, was injured last week in Los Angeles and placed on the injured list. While he was able to complete the save and secure the Yankees a victory over the Guardians, Williams has not had the best track record this season.

When asked if there is any difference between the 7th and 8th innings and the 9th inning, Williams shrugged off the questions, saying the runs scored are the same regardless of inning.

"Really nothing, in my opinion. I don't view it as any different, you know?," Williams said. "The runs count the same in the 7th inning as well. So, I don't view it as any different."

Williams, who surely would like to earn back the position, had the crowd at Yankee Stadium waiting with bated breath Tuesday night to see what would happen at the close of the 9th inning. While Schneemann's RBI single certainly could easily be described as bad luck for the pitcher, with a waiting Yankees infielder just barely missing the hit, Williams' performance is not likely to inspire fans.

This season, which is Williams' first in New York, he's produced a 6.35 ERA across 22.2 innings pitched, resulting in a 2-2 record. In 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers, his numbers were much better with a 1.25 ERA across 21.2 innings pitched with no losses. Only time will tell if Williams can improve his output or if the Bronx Bombers will be anxious for Weaver's return.

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Delilah Bourque
DELILAH BOURQUE

Delilah Bourque is a writer and copyeditor based out of Pittsburgh, PA. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. After a few years in corporate marketing, she joined On SI as a full-time copyeditor and contributor to the New York Yankees On SI, as well as occasional contributions across the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers on SI.

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