The Milwaukee Brewers Receive a Boost with Devin Williams' Return
The Milwaukee Brewers have received a significant boost with the welcome return of their All-Star closer, Devin Williams. After being sidelined since spring training due to stress fractures in his back, Williams was activated off the 60-day injured list and immediately made an impact in his season debut.
Williams took the mound during Sunday’s win over the Miami Marlins, tasked with protecting a four-run lead in the ninth inning. Despite a challenging moment that saw him allow a single and a walk, Williams showcased his formidable skills by striking out one batter while throwing 24 pitches in total.
"I don't like sitting on the bench. I don't like being in the dugout. It's not for me," expressed Williams. "It's gratifying to be back to help carry the load. I put in a lot of hard work up to this point over the past couple of months. To be in this position and back on the field, it feels great."
The Brewers have certainly missed Williams' presence. The 29-year-old, who turns 30 in September, has been a cornerstone of the team's bullpen, consistently delivering top-notch performances. Between 2021 and 2023, Williams maintained an impressive 1.97 ERA and a remarkable 38.7% strikeout rate. His excellence on the mound has earned him back-to-back All-Star honors in 2022 and 2023, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's most reliable closers. Notably, Williams won the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, a testament to his early impact in Major League Baseball.
Williams' rehab wasn’t without its highlights either. During a minor-league assignment, he struck out six batters over four scoreless innings, proving he was ready to return to the big leagues. As he re-integrates into the Brewers' bullpen, the team can look forward to more of the stabilizing presence Williams brings.
In Williams' absence, Trevor Megill stepped up admirably to fill the closer role. Megill successfully converted 20 of 22 save chances, boasting a 2.41 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 33 2/3 innings. His performance was commendable, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the Brewers' bullpen.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee has made additional moves to bolster their pitching staff. The acquisition of pitcher Mears in a three-team trade involving the Colorado Rockies indicates the Brewers’ intent to strengthen their roster further. Mears, who has posted a 5.56 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, will look to contribute positively as he finds his footing with the new team. In a corresponding move, the Brewers designated Janson Junk for assignment, making space for the recent additions.
Sunday’s victory against the Marlins was crucial, improving the Brewers' record to an impressive 60-45. This win also extended their lead in the NL Central to six games, providing them with a comfortable cushion as they chase postseason success. Currently, the Brewers are only two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League's No. 2 seed, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum in the second half of the season.
With Devin Williams back in the mix, the Brewers are poised for a strong finish. His return not only brings an elite closer back to the bullpen but also infuses the team with renewed confidence and strength. As Williams continues to contribute, the Brewers will aim to leverage his talents to secure wins and push deeper into the playoffs.