Demoted Yankees closer Devin Williams might be getting 'mojo' back
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In his latest game against the Orioles, Devin Williams showcased a promising performance despite his recent struggles as the Yankees closer. Tasked with pitching in the eighth inning with the team trailing by a run, Williams delivered a flawless inning with a strikeout on just 14 pitches. Although it’s still early, this outing showed positive signs for his future contributions.

After a challenging outing last Friday that resulted in him being removed from the closer role, this successful appearance was a much-needed confidence boost for Williams. It marked just his third clean performance of the season, highlighting his ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver when the team needed it most.

Williams’ resilience and determination were on full display during Monday night’s game, earning him recognition for his impactful pitching in a high-pressure situation. As he continues to work on refining his skills and regaining his form, this outing could serve as a turning point in his season, setting the stage for a potential comeback in his role as a key reliever for the Yankees.

“Really good. Just liked his look,” Boone said. “It was aggressive, in the strike zone. He was aggressive with his fastball. Every changeup he threw … I liked the depth on the pitch. But also establishing his fastball and in the strike zone with it.


Devin Williams delivers to the plate during the eighth inning of the Yankees' 4-3 loss to the Orioles on Monday night in Baltimore.
Devin Williams delivers to the plate during the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Orioles on Monday night in Baltimore. Imagn Images

“I thought he had some real good conviction with every pitch he threw.”

When Williams began to warm in the top of the eighth, the Yankees were trailing 4-1.

They pushed across two runs in the inning before Williams took the mound and kept it a one-run game against the Orioles’ 5-7 hitters.

He then returned to a dugout where his teammates were fired up for him.

“Hopefully it’s just little things here that get your mojo [back] and remind you how darn good you are at this game,” Boone said.

With Luke Weaver taking over as closer, it remains to be seen when or how Williams can win the job back – particularly if Weaver handles it as well as he did late last season, when he took over for Clay Holmes.

Williams indicated on Sunday that his bigger immediate concern was “to put up zeroes,” with Monday representing a good start.


After conversations with Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s representatives, the league dropped the one-game suspension he had been facing for violating MLB’s social-media policy.

The Yankees second baseman still had to pay the fine of $5,000 for posting on X (minutes after he was ejected for arguing balls and strikes on April 17), “Not even f–king close!!!!!”

But after Chisholm appealed the suspension, the league took into account the nature of the situation and ultimately decided to rescind it.


Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after being called out on strikes against the Rays on April 17. Upon returning to the clubhouse, Chisholm took to social media to voice his displeasure.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after being called out on strikes against the Rays on April 17. Upon returning to the clubhouse, Chisholm took to social media to voice his displeasure. AP

Marcus Stroman (left knee inflammation) is still dealing with issues in his knee that have limited him to just playing catch and not yet throwing off a mound since he landed on the IL earlier this month.

“I think he’s just getting some irritation that won’t leave,” Boone said. “Trying to look at everything. I know he’s got some injections in there to try to ease some of that, but not where we need it to be yet.”


Jonathan Loáisiga (UCL surgery) is scheduled to make his second rehab outing on Wednesday with Single-A Tampa before moving up north to a higher-level affiliate.

Before Loáisiga’s 30-day rehab clock is up, the Yankees want to see him pitch on back-to-back days.


Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) stayed back in New York to continue his ramp-up, which Boone said included “running, on-field stuff [and] hitting.” … Scott Effross (hamstring strain) is expected to advance to throwing live batting practice later this week.

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