The Milwaukee Brewers' Bullpen Gets a Major Boost with Devin Williams' Return
The Milwaukee Brewers have received a substantial lift with the 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, ready to reassert his dominance on the mound.
Williams made his much-anticipated season debut in Sunday's win over the Miami Marlins, tasked with protecting a four-run lead in the ninth inning. Despite allowing a single and a walk, Williams managed to strike out one batter and threw 24 pitches overall. It's a promising start for the 30-year-old, who has been crucial to the Brewers' bullpen success in recent years.
Williams, who won the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year and garnered All-Star honors in both 2022 and 2023, has been a cornerstone for Milwaukee. From 2021 to 2023, he maintained an impressive 1.97 ERA and boasted a 38.7% strikeout rate, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top closers.
His return couldn't come at a better time. The Brewers, now sporting a 60-45 record, have extended their lead in the NL Central to six games and trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by just two games for the National League's No. 2 seed. Williams expressed his relief and eagerness to be back, saying, "I don't like sitting on the bench. I don't like being in the dugout. It's not for me. ... 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."
During Williams' absence, Trevor Megill admirably filled the closer role. Megill successfully converted 20 of 22 save opportunities and posted a 2.41 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 33 2/3 innings. Despite Megill's commendable performance, Manager Craig Counsell and the rest of the team will undoubtedly welcome Williams' high-octane presence back to the bullpen.
Additionally, the Brewers made strategic moves in the trade market. They acquired pitcher Mears in a three-team trade involving the Colorado Rockies. While Mears carries a 5.56 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, the Brewers hope a change of scenery and the support of their coaching staff will unlock his potential. In a corresponding roster move, the Brewers designated Janson Junk for assignment.
Williams' return also saw him complete a successful minor-league rehab assignment, where he struck out six batters in four scoreless innings. His arm appears to be getting back to the elite form that Milwaukee fans have come to expect. As the Brewers aim for a deep postseason run, they will look to Williams to anchor the bullpen and deliver in high-pressure situations.
The Brewers’ pitching staff, bolstered by Williams' return and Megill’s steady hand, now stands stronger and more resilient as they navigate the latter part of the season. With the addition of Mears and strategic player management, Milwaukee is gearing up for a competitive stretch with eyes set on securing a top playoff seed.