Reasons the Yankees hesitate to deploy Devin Williams for two-inning saves

Cincinnati Update on Yankees’ Pitching Strategy

It seems the Yankees aren’t quite ready to extend Devin Williams’ role to cover three or more outs just yet.

This became clear on Tuesday when Williams pitched a quick nine pitches before not returning in the 10th inning during a tightly contested 5-4 game against the Reds that extended to 11 innings.

Manager Boone mentioned before Wednesday’s series finale, where the Yankees won 7-1, “He’s been a one-inning guy and that’s how we’ve used him effectively.” He acknowledged that the day might come when Williams is called upon for longer outings, but for now, he’s sticking to his plan.

Williams, a pending free agent, noted he hadn’t been asked to pitch multiple innings on Tuesday, suggesting Boone made that call.

“I feel more effective when I go for just one inning,” Williams commented, adding that he didn’t play in Wednesday’s victory.

After struggling with a stress fracture in his back last season and missing a significant chunk of it, he was asked to cover more than three outs in September 2023. However, between 2021 and 2023, only seven of his 184 regular season appearances went longer than one inning, with none exceeding five outs.

In 2020, he had three outings in a row where he pitched two innings each, leading to shoulder issues that kept him out of the Wild Card Series. He reflected, “I think going for just one inning keeps everyone healthier.”

In the game against the Reds, Mark Reiter Jr., after pitching 27 times the previous day, had to cover both the 10th and 11th innings as the bullpen felt the strain.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are still deliberating whether Marcus Stroman will make another start or need a rehab outing after he allowed 10 hits and five runs in just 3²/₃ innings at Double A Somerset.

Boone commented on Stroman’s performance, stating, “The line didn’t reflect how he felt out there. We’ll evaluate his situation further to determine the next steps.”

In a personal note, JC Escala was initially set to play on Wednesday but had to rush home for the birth of his first child.

Additionally, Jonathan Roashga left early due to a private health matter, and Boone confirmed that neither situation would require an injured list stint.

The Yankees, using their off-day on Thursday, plan to adjust their rotation, giving Clark Schmidt the chance to pitch on a longer recovery schedule this weekend.