Yankees Closer Melts Down, Manager Under Fire

Williams Admits He’s “Stinking It Up” as Team’s Lead Shrinks

In a devastating display of pitching ineptitude, Yankees reliever Devin Williams surrendered the lead late Friday night, fueling his team’s third loss this week directly tied to his performance. The blown save has the Bronx Bombers clinging to a precarious half-game lead in the AL wild-card race.

A Familiar Implosion

The eighth inning against the Houston Astros began with the score knotted at 2-2. Manager Aaron Boone summoned Williams, who immediately uncorked a wild pitch that allowed the automatic runner to advance. A subsequent single gave Houston the lead, and the crowd’s boos rained down.

The nightmare inning concluded with Williams hanging a changeup that Taylor Trammell deposited for a two-run homer, sealing the Yankees’ 5-3 defeat. This marks the second time in a week Williams has yielded a crucial long ball to an opponent struggling offensively, following Joc Pederson‘s blast earlier in the week.

It’s beautiful 🥹 pic.twitter.com/5Pa7UByZqz

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 9, 2025

Questions Swirl Around Boone’s Decision

While Williams accepted responsibility for his pitching, questions are mounting regarding Boone‘s decision to deploy him in such a critical situation. The manager’s bullpen management is under intense scrutiny, especially with other options seemingly available.

The Yankees’ bullpen depth was tested after an off-day. Key arms like David Bednar were unavailable due to recent workload, and Mark Leiter Jr., fresh off the injured list, was considered a risky but potentially necessary option. Bringing in Leiter Jr., despite his limited recent activity, could have been a strategic move to avoid a struggling Williams.

By the time Williams entered, only Tim Hill and Brent Headrick remained. Despite facing a string of right-handed hitters, which typically favors other bullpen members, Boone turned to Williams. This choice defied conventional strategy, particularly given Williams‘ visibly diminished confidence entering the game.

“I’m not making pitches, it’s pretty simple. I stink right now.”

—Devin Williams, Yankees Reliever

Williams himself acknowledged his struggles, admitting his confidence is not where it needs to be. His recent performance has been abysmal, allowing eight earned runs in his last 4 2/3 innings. The trade for Williams was intended to bolster the Yankees’ late-inning relief corps, but his tenure in New York has mirrored other high-profile acquisitions that failed to live up to expectations.

Looking ahead, the Yankees anticipate the returns of Fernando Cruz, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Ryan Yarbrough. If Williams continues his downward spiral, general manager Brian Cashman may be forced to consider cutting losses on the two-time All-Star, especially with other bullpen arms offering a better chance for success as the team fights for a playoff spot. As of the end of last season, MLB relief pitchers with an ERA over 5.00 were often targets for trade or reassignment, a category Williams is currently approaching. FanGraphs 2023 Relief Pitcher Stats