Devin Williams
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2021Flyers41000213144.12413175632.64
2022Flyers26000041135.21813183873.28
2023Flyers51000623461.22715409012.19
2024Flyers34000312342.12911166312.34
2025Flyers00000000.0000000.00
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 27 2025Williams earned the save in Friday's 3-0 win over the Athletics, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams had another strong outing out of the bullpen, using 15 pitches (11 strikes) to retire the side. The 30-year-old closer has registered six saves in June and has not yielded a run over his last eight outings. Williams now sports a 4.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB across 30.1 innings this season, and for the time being, he appears to be the Yankees' preferred closer over Luke Weaver.
Jun 22 2025Williams earned the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Orioles, allowing one hit and no walks with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aaron Boone indicated Friday that Williams would share save opportunities with Luke Weaver, but it was Williams who got the call to protect a two-run lead in the ninth, needing just 14 pitches to close it out. Over his past 10 appearances, the 30-year-old has been a perfect 6-for-6 in save chances with a stellar 11:0 K:BB. While his season line remains an underwhelming 5.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB across 28.1 innings, his recent dominance has certainly positioned him as a strong ninth-inning option.
Jun 20 2025Aaron Boone said Friday that Williams and Luke Weaver will both receive save opportunities, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has turned things around after allowing 12 runs in his first 10 appearances this season, notching a 2.79 ERA in 19.1 innings since. He saw extended action at closer recently while Weaver was on the shelf and impressed enough to earn a share of the save chances even though Weaver is healthy. It's not clear exactly how ninth-inning duties will be divvied up, so fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on both Williams and Weaver moving forward.
Jun 12 2025Williams picked up the save after working a clean ninth inning, striking out one, during Thursday's 1-0 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's been a roller-coaster season for Williams working through a bad start and a fluctuating role. The injury to Luke Weaver (hamstring) has allowed the 30-year-old to return the closer role where he's most comfortable, and he's done a good job since, closing out all three games he's been asked to. He's now up to nine saves on the year along with 32 strikeouts, a 1.30 WHIP and a 5.68 ERA in 25.1 innings pitched.
Jun 11 2025Williams notched the save in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the Royals, recording the final two outs while fanning one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals made things interesting by scoring three runs in the ninth inning, which prompted manager Aaron Boone to summon Williams to put out the fire and earn his eighth save of the year. The 30-year-old right-hander is currently functioning as New York's closer while Luke Weaver (hamstring) sits on the injured list, and the former is slowly rounding into form following a dreadful start to the year. Over his last 12.2 innings, Williams owns a 2.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB with four saves.
Jun 6 2025Williams earned the save in Friday's 9-6 win over the Red Sox, striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth and worked around a hit-by-pitch to secure his second straight save since reclaiming the closer role. While his season line remains rough at a 6.08 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 30:12 K:BB across 23.2 innings, the 30-year-old has allowed runs in just three of 15 appearances since the start of May. With Luke Weaver (hamstring) sidelined for several weeks, he has a chance to reclaim the ninth-inning job for good.
Jun 4 2025Williams gave up a run on two hits while striking out one in the ninth inning Tuesday to record his sixth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Luke Weaver (hamstring) on the shelf, Williams is being given another crack at the closer role, but he once again struggled to get the job done. The right-hander served up a one-out double to Carlos Santana before pinch hitter Daniel Schneemann pulled a changeup into right field for an RBI single, and Williams ultimately needed 30 pitches (22 strikes) to escape the frame. He has been pitching better of late, posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB over the 10 innings prior to Tuesday's appearance, but the Yankees do have options like Mark Leiter and Fernando Cruz available if Williams' April issues return.
Jun 3 2025Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday in his appearance on Jomboy Media's "Talkin' Yanks" podcast that Williams will be the team's primary closer while Luke Weaver (hamstring) is sidelined. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Weaver is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks after straining his hamstring while warming up during Sunday's game against the Dodgers. Williams was removed from the closer role in late April but has pitched well lately, yielding just two runs with a 15:2 K:BB over his last 10 innings.
May 28 2025Williams picked up the save Tuesday in a 3-2 win over the Angels, allowing two runs on three hits and no walks over one inning. He did not record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was removed from the closer role due to early-season struggles but was called on to pitch the ninth inning, with Luke Weaver likely unavailable after working the previous two days. Williams saw his streak of eight consecutive scoreless appearances snapped by a Yoan Moncada solo homer and Jo Adell RBI, but Williams narrowly escaped with the save. The former Brewer didn't issue a walk against the Angels but has posted a career-worst 5.40 BB/9 through his first 23 appearances and 20 innings as a Yankee, contributing to a disappointing 6.75 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. While Williams filled in as closer, it's unlikely he reclaims the full-time role anytime soon, with Weaver sporting a 0.73 ERA.
May 21 2025Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that he has "no plans right now" to re-insert Williams into the team's closer role, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was demoted from the closer role in late April but has gotten back on track lately, boasting a 9:1 K:BB over 5.1 scoreless innings across his last six appearances. However, Luke Weaver has notched six saves in seven chances for the Yankees and has yielded one run all season, so there's little incentive for Boone to shake up the back end of his bullpen right now. When asked Tuesday about regaining his closer job, Williams said "it doesn't matter right now."
May 7 2025Williams (1-2) came away with the win in Wednesday's extra innings contest against the Padres, allowing one walk while striking out three batters in a scoreless 10th inning. He did not allow a hit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Luke Weaver being deployed in the ninth inning, the Yankees turned to Williams in the 10th to keep the game tied at 3-3. Williams struck out two of the first three batters he faced, and after loading the bases on a hit-by-pitch, he closed things out with a six-pitch punchout of Xander Bogaerts. Williams has started the season poorly with a 9.24 ERA across 12.2 innings, but Wednesday's performance showed a glimpse of what the 30-year-old is capable of when he's in form.
May 3 2025Williams earned a hold against Tampa Bay on Friday with a perfect inning of relief during which he struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams' effort Friday was another positive step forward after a brutal start to the campaign. Williams threw seven of his eight pitches for strikes against the Rays and extended his scoreless and hitless streak to three games since he was demoted from the closer role April 27. His outing Friday was in a relatively high-leverage situation -- the Yankees led by three in the eighth inning when he entered -- and was followed by a clean inning by Luke Weaver, who picked up his third save. Weaver has been dominant all season, so there's likely no urgency for Williams to reclaim New York's closer role, but the latter is at least looking like himself again after posting a 11.25 ERA through his first 10 appearances prior to his demotion.
Apr 17 2025Williams earned the save after throwing a clean ninth inning in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While he didn't record a strikeout, Williams put the Rays away on just six pitches (five strikes) Thursday. The All-Star closer has been shaky at times to begin his Yankees tenure, as evidenced by his 5.14 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB over seven innings, but Williams has still converted each of his first four save chances as New York's closer.
Apr 15 2025Williams earned the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Royals, striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams got the call to come into the ninth inning to protect a 4-2 lead. He needed 16 pitches (11 of which were strikes) to get through the frame, finishing things off by punching out MJ Melendez to record his third save of the season. Williams has not given up a run over his last three outings and has struck out three batters while allowing two hits and two walks in those three innings.
Apr 14 2025Williams allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning while earning a save against the Royals on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead and had to work out of a jam to close things out. He put two runners on base with one out but escaped unscathed with his first save since March 27. Through six appearances as a Yankee, Williams has yet to deliver a perfect inning out of the bullpen. He owns an uncharacteristic 7.20 ERA with a 7:6 K:BB through five innings.
Apr 9 2025Williams gave up three runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Brought in to protect a 4-0 lead in the ninth inning, Williams instead made a mess of things before Mark Leiter had to replace him and record the final out for his first save of the year. While it doesn't go down as a blown save or a loss for the Airbender, it's still the third time in his first four appearances as a Yankee that Williams has been charged with at least one run, leading to a 12.00 ERA and 5:4 K:BB through his first three innings in pinstripes. The average velocity on his fastball is down slightly to begin the season, but he topped out at 95.3 mph Wednesday on a strikeout of Colt Keith, and the movement on his elite changeup is in its usual range. All indicators suggest that Williams' numbers will quickly return to normal once the weather warms up.
Apr 4 2025The Yankees activated Williams from the paternity leave list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams missed this week's three-game series against the Diamondbacks while welcoming a new addition to his family. He'll be available to close as the Yankees begin a series in Pittsburgh this weekend.
Apr 3 2025Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Williams (personal) will be activated from the paternity leave list Friday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams will miss a third straight game Thursday while tending to more important family matters, but he will be back to resume closer duties for the weekend series in Pittsburgh. The 30-year-old gave up one run but recorded a save in his lone appearance this season.
Apr 1 2025The Yankees placed Williams on the paternity list Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams will be away from the Yankees for anywhere between one and three games while he welcomes a new addition to his family. He made his Yankees debut over the weekend against his former Brewers squad, notching a save Thursday during a rocky ninth inning in which he yielded one earned run on two hits and one walk wile striking out two batters. Luke Weaver could step in as the Yankees' interim closer during the team's three-game home series versus the Diamondbacks if Williams ends up missing all of those games.
Mar 27 2025Williams earned the save Thursday after giving up one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning to close out a 4-2 win versus the Brewers. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The All-Star closer's debut with the Yankees was almost disastrous, as nearly blew a three-run lead against his former team. Williams loaded the bases before recording out No. 1 via a sacrifice fly, and he then proceeded to strike out Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich to end the game. Friday's team off day will provide some much-needed rest after throwing 36 pitches, but such a heavy workload could still affect Williams' availability for Saturday.
Jan 9 2025Williams and the Yankees have agreed to a one-year, $8.6 million contract to avoid arbitration Thursday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was dealt to the Yankees earlier this offseason and has already been named the team's closer. Though he missed most of 2024, he's maintained an ERA below 2.00 for each of the last three seasons while striking out at least 13.3 batters per nine innings in each of the last five campaigns. Williams will earn $1.6 million more than he did in 2024.
Dec 18 2024Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Williams will be the team's closer in 2025, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boone indicated that Luke Weaver could receive the occasional save opportunity, but it's going to be Williams in the ninth inning when he's available. The revelation is no surprise, as Williams has been one of the game's best relievers since arriving in the big leagues, having collected a 1.83 ERA and 39.4 percent strikeout rate in six seasons.
Dec 13 2024The Yankees acquired Williams from the Brewers on Friday in exchange for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was limited to just 21.2 regular-season innings in 2024 due to back problems, but he finished the year healthy and was his usual, dominant self when on the mound, posting a 1.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB. He's set to make around around $8 million in 2025 in his final year of arbitration eligibility and will give the Yankees an upper echelon closer. Luke Weaver will shift to a setup role.
Nov 3 2024The Brewers declined Williams' $10 million club option for 2025 on Sunday, though he remains in the organization and is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander is estimated to make a bit less through the arbitration process, so Milwaukee will pay the $250,000 buyout while targeting a slightly lower salary. Williams didn't debut in 2024 until late July due to a back injury -- which is why his estimated salary for 2025 should be under $10 million -- but he was again one of the best closers in baseball once healthy with a 1.25 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB across 21.2 innings. He's a candidate to be moved during the offseason, as Brewers GM Matt Arnold said the organization will "stay open-minded" regarding a potential trade, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Sep 26 2024Williams earned the save in Thursday's 5-2 win over Pittsburgh, allowing one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams worked around a Nick Gonzales one-out double to secure his 14th save this season. The 30-year-old Williams has held opponents scoreless in his last 12 appearances (12 innings) while securing nine consecutive saves -- he's allowed just four hits while striking out 22 in that span. Overall, Willliams' ERA is down to 1.31 on the year with a 0.97 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB across 20.2 innings.
Sep 23 2024Williams struck out two and issued a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Sunday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander issued a seven-pitch walk to open the frame but retired the next three batters on 14 pitches to close out the one-run victory. It was Williams' first save opportunity since Sept. 13 as Milwaukee has skidded a bit since clinching the NL Central, but he's now converted eight straight save chances and has a 21:5 K:BB without giving up a run in his past 11 outings.
Sep 13 2024Williams struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams collected his third save in four days by retiring the side on 14 pitches in the ninth inning. He's avoided a prolonged slump after a blown save Aug. 21 versus the Cardinals, following it up with a nine-inning scoreless streak that has seen him earn seven saves with a 16:4 K:BB. Williams is now at a 1.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB with 12 saves in 13 chances over 17.2 innings this season.
Sep 11 2024Williams earned a save against the Giants on Tuesday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams worked around a base hit and a walk in the inning with two strikeouts and a pop out to put the Giants away for his 10th save of the year. He's now working on seven straight scoreless appearances and has struck out 11 of the 20 batters he's faced over his last five outings. For the year, Williams has a 1.72 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB in 15.2 innings.
Sep 7 2024Williams earned a save against the Rockies on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams dominated the Rockies on Saturday, making it the fourth time this season he gets all three outs in the ninth via strikeout. Williams has already racked up nine saves in 10 opportunities since making his season debut on July 28. The 29-year-old has been particularly impressive of late, as he hasn't given up a hit in any of his last six appearances and carries a 1.84 ERA for the year.
Aug 31 2024Williams walked two and hit one batter in a scoreless and hitless inning, adding two strikeouts to earn the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has allowed multiple baserunners in three of his last five outings, but he was able to escape a bases-loaded jam of his own making in Saturday's win. The right-hander is now 8-for-9 in save chances this year. He's pitched to a 2.31 ERA, but a 1.20 WHIP with eight walks over 11.2 innings is a bit of a concern from a command standpoint. Williams has also logged 20 strikeouts and doesn't appear to be at much risk of ceding closing duties back to Trevor Megill.
Aug 30 2024Williams earned the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Reds in the opening game of a doubleheader, walking one while logging a strikeout in a scoreless 10th inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Milwaukee took a one-run lead in the top of the 10th inning, Williams quickly recorded the first two outs in the bottom half. However, he'd allow the free-runner to reach third base on a wild pitch before issuing a two-out walk. However, Williams managed to get Ty France to fly out, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs aboard to pick up his seventh save. The right-hander has now converted back-to-back save chances after allowing two runs on three walks in a blown save against St. Louis last week. Overall, Williams sports a 2.53 ERA with 1.13 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB through 10.2 innings this season.
Aug 28 2024Williams (shoulder) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams hadn't pitched in a week due to shoulder soreness that surfaced over the weekend. His last outing was a blown save last Wednesday versus the Cardinals that saw him walk three batters. For the year, Williams is at a 2.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB with six saves in seven chances across 9.2 innings. Barring any additional injury concerns, Williams is poised to be the Brewers' full-time closer over the final month of the season.
Aug 26 2024Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Williams was unavailable to pitch Sunday against the Athletics due to left shoulder soreness, Bally Sports Wisconsin reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Murphy said that Williams felt a "pinch" in his non-throwing shoulder when he woke up Sunday morning, likely a result of sleeping on it wrong. Williams attempted to play catch prior to Sunday's game, but he was sore and "just didn't look right," per Murphy, who declared his closer off limits for the day. It sounds like a day-to-day type injury, but it's not yet clear whether Williams will be available for Tuesday's series opener versus the Giants. Trevor Megill would likely fill in as closer if Williams is not ready.
Aug 21 2024Williams allowed two runs on one hit, three walks and a hit batsman while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning to take a blown save in Wednesday's 10-6 extra-inning loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was shaky in earning a save Tuesday, and he was even worse Wednesday. He threw just 12 of his 31 pitches for strikes, and two of his three walks came with the bases loaded. Trevor Megill was able to escape the ninth inning with a groundout, but he would up surrendering a walk-off grand slam in the 10th to complete the Brewers' collapse. Williams is now at a 3.12 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 8.2 innings this season while converting five of his six save opportunities.
Aug 17 2024Williams pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams failed to log a strikeout for the first time in his seven appearances this season. It was still a tidy save for the right-hander, who got the heart of Cleveland's order out on three straight groundouts. Williams has allowed one run -- on a solo home run versus Atlanta on Aug. 7 -- while earning four saves and posting an 11:1 K:BB over seven innings. All of his saves have been over his last four appearances, including three over the last four days, so it's safe to say Williams is back to being locked in as Milwaukee's closer.
Aug 15 2024Williams earned a save against the Dodgers on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was called upon to close the door on the Dodgers for the second straight day, and he again succeeded in impressive fashion. On Wednesday, he retired Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in order, and he bested Ohtani and Betts -- both on strikeouts -- again Thursday. Williams has been as brilliant as ever since returning from a back injury July 28, recording three saves while allowing just one run and posting an 11:1 K:BB over six innings spanning six appearances.
Aug 10 2024Williams earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was activated from the injured list Sunday and had to wait six days to get his first save chance. The right-hander's opportunity Saturday wasn't an easy one, as he faced the heart of Cincinnati's order with just a one-run lead. Williams wasn't phased by any pressure, as he struck out the side on 18 pitches. Trevor Megill was excellent as Milwaukee's closer during most of the time Williams was out and is approaching a return from a back injury, but he's going to slide back into a setup role upon his activation. Williams has already shown that he's back in fine form, allowing just one run over four innings while posting an 8:1 K:BB through four outings.
Jul 29 2024Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Monday that he will not use Williams in back-to-back days for the time being, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams made his season debut with the Brewers on Sunday against the Marlins after recovering from multiple stress fractures in his back, working around one hit and one walk to toss a scoreless frame. That means Williams will unavailable Monday against Atlanta should a save chance arise. With Trevor Megill (back) landing on the injured list Monday, Joel Payamps, Hoby Milner and Elvis Peguero could be in the mix for some opportunities on days Williams is unavailable.
Jul 28 2024The Brewers activated Williams (back) from the 60-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game against the Marlins, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old is ready for his 2024 MLB debut after missing the first four months of the campaign while recovering from a pair of stress fractures in his back. Williams delivered four scoreless frames with a 6:2 K:BB during his four-game rehab assignment. It's possible the right-hander is eased into high-leverage spots early on, but he should fully reclaim closing duties from Trevor Megill in short order.
Jul 26 2024Brewers GM Matt Arnold said Friday that Williams (back) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list "in the next few days" after one additional rehab appearance, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has delivered three scoreless appearances in his minor-league rehab assignment, and he'll need just one more outing before being cleared to rejoin the Brewers. Williams has been sidelined for the first four months of the season due to a pair of stress fractures in his back, but he's now on the cusp of his 2024 MLB debut. The right-hander could be eased into high-leverage spots early on, but it likely won't take long for him to take over closing duties from Trevor Megill.
Jul 20 2024Williams (back) will appear in a rehab game at Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was outstanding in his first rehab appearance, striking out all three batters he faced last Saturday at High-A Wisconsin. He'll now move up to Nashville in order to face some tougher competition, and he may return to the Brewers' bullpen before the end of the month if he continues to dominate.
Jul 14 2024Williams (back) struck out all three batters he faced in a perfect inning during his rehab appearance Sunday with High-A Wisconsin. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has been on the shelf all season while recovering from a pair of stress fractures in his back, but he didn't exhibit any signs of rust in his first game action of 2024. He needed just 14 pitches to strike out the side and generated four swings and misses during his brief time on the mound. The Brewers may have Williams shift his rehab assignment to Double-A Biloxi or Triple-A Nashville for a tougher test following the All-Star break, but the right-hander may not require too many more tune-up outings in the minors if he continues to look as sharp as he did Sunday. Williams should eventually supplant Trevor Megill as the Brewers' preferred option to close games once he's reinstated from the 60-day injured list.
Jul 11 2024Williams (back) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Wisconsin on Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he tossed a live batting practice session Tuesday in Milwaukee without incident, Williams will move on to the final stage in his prolonged recovery from a pair of stress fractures in his back, an injury he suffered in spring training. As a late-inning reliever, Williams won't require an extensive buildup, but he's still likely to remain on his minor-league rehab assignment once the Brewers open their post-All-Star-break schedule July 20. A return from the 60-day injured list before the end of July can't be discounted, however, especially if Williams looks healthy and pitches effectively during his time in the minors. Once activated, Williams should settle back in as Milwaukee's closer after he racked up 51 saves and posted a 1.73 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 126 appearances between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Jul 7 2024Williams (back) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday at American Family Field, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams began throwing off a mound in late June, and it didn't take long for him to be cleared to face live hitters. The right-hander will require a minor-league rehab assignment before being reinstated from the 60-day injured list, though it's unclear how many outings he might need. The Brewers have been targeting the July 30 trade deadline as a general target date for Williams' return.
Jun 28 2024Williams threw 20 pitches during a bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled for another 20-pitch session over the weekend, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams utilized his full arsenal during Wednesday's session and is on track to throw off the mound again this weekend. Additionally, Williams is scheduled to throw live batting practice July 9. Regardless, he should be back with the Brewers sometime in July.
Jun 26 2024Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Wednesday that Williams (back) could return from the 60-day injured list sooner than his initial mid-to-late-July recovery timeline, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was scheduled for a bullpen session Wednesday, which would have marked his first time throwing off a mound since being shut down during spring training with multiple stress fractures in his back. He will need to throw off the bump multiple times and eventually go out on a rehab assignment before being activated. That said, while Williams still has multiple checkpoints to hit in his rehab program, he looks to be in a good spot with his recovery.
Jun 23 2024Williams (back) is set for a mound session Wednesday in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams is poised for the next big milestone in his recovery from the multiple stress fractures in his back that have sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 campaign to this point. If the 29-year-old can avoid any setbacks, he remains on track to return to the Brewers' bullpen in late July, likely after the All-Star break. The mound session Wednesday is just the tip of the iceberg in his recovery though, as Williams will likely throw multiple bullpen sessions before a lengthy rehab assignment down the road.
Jun 15 2024Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Saturday that Williams (back) is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound soon, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Murphy also added that Williams remains on track to return just after the All-Star break, although that would seem to be a tentative timetable given that the reliever has yet to resume throwing off a mound. Williams is working his way back from multiple stress fractures in his back. Trevor Megill has operated as the Brewers' primary closer with Williams on the shelf.
May 18 2024Williams (back) played catch before Saturday's game against the Astros, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saturday marks the first time Williams has done any sort of throwing since being shut down during spring training due to multiple stress fractures in his back. The 29-year-old closer still has a long way to go before the Brewers can think about sending him out on a minor-league rehab assignment, but he is certainly trending in the right direction. He's expected to rejoin Milwaukee's bullpen near the All-Star break.
May 10 2024Manager Pat Murphy said Friday that Williams (back) is scheduled to begin playing catch within the next two weeks, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams will be looked at by a doctor within the next few days, which will help determine how far away he is from beginning a throwing program. Though he seems to be trending in the right direction, the 29-year-old closer is still not expected back until around the All-Star break.
Apr 10 2024Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Wednesday that Williams (back) is expected to be out until around the All-Star break, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Initial estimates in mid-March when Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back had the closer missing three months. Arnold's timetable appears to be more conservative than that, although with Williams yet to resume baseball activities any timetable is approximate at this juncture. Abner Uribe has been serving as the Brewers' closer early on this season.
Apr 9 2024The Brewers transferred Williams (back) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move doesn't change Williams' timetable, as he is slated to be out until at least mid-June while recovering from two stress fractures in his back. Kevin Herget will take Williams' spot on the 40-man roster.
Mar 28 2024The Brewers placed Williams (back) on the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams isn't expected to resume throwing for another month and likely won't be ready for game action until around midseason while he recovers from two stress fractures in his back, so he could be a candidate to move to the 60-day IL the next time the Brewers need to open up room on the 40-man roster. The Brewers have yet to anoint a new closer in place of Williams, but Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe and Joel Payamps look to be the early frontrunners to contend for save chances.
Mar 13 2024Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back Wednesday and will miss approximately three months, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams had pitched through back soreness toward the end of last season, and he saw a back specialist Wednesday after the soreness returned during spring training. Williams will be shut down from throwing for six weeks before beginning a six-week rehab program, lining him up to return sometime during June. Losing Williams is a huge blow to the Brewers after the 29-year-old closer posted a 1.53 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 2023 while racking up 87 strikeouts across 58.2 innings and tallying 36 saves en route to winning his second NL Reliever of the Year Award. It's unclear who will replace Williams as Milwaukee's primary closer to begin the season, but Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe figure to be likely candidates.
Mar 10 2024Williams is dealing with a sore back and will get a second opinion from a spine specialist in the coming week, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin adds that Williams had an MRI on his back this past week. He'll continue to take time off as a precaution until he is assessed by a back specialist this week. Williams tallied 36 saves in 40 tries last season while posting a 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 87:28 K:BB over 58.2 innings.
Jan 11 2024Williams agreed to a one-year contract with the Brewers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Based on the reported figures the two sides were exchanging, the deal is likely for around $7 million, and it comes with a club option for 2025. Williams is the top closer in fantasy for 2024, according to early ADP. He had a 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 87 strikeouts in 58.2 innings last season while notching 36 saves.
Sep 27 2023Williams recorded a save against the Cardinals on Wednesday, walking two batters and striking out one in a scoreless and hitless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams had some trouble with his control, throwing just nine of 19 pitches for strikes and walking a pair of batters while tasked with protecting a one-run lead. Both of the free passes came with two outs, but the right-handed reliever was able to steer around the danger by getting Jordan Walker to fly out to end the contest. This was Williams' first appearance in 10 days and his first save since Sept. 15. With six straight scoreless outings during which he's 4-for-4 in save opportunities, Williams looks primed for the postseason.
Sep 16 2023Williams struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 35th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander's Airbender changeup was in peak form, as Carter Kieboom, Ildemaro Vargas and Luis Garcia all went down swinging against the pitch. Since the beginning of August, Williams has posted an elite 1.76 ERA, 0,65 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB through 15.1 innings while collecting three wins and nine saves in 17 appearances as he establishes himself as one of the premier closers in baseball.
Sep 15 2023Williams picked up the save Thursday against Miami, pitching a perfect inning while not recording any strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams needed only 11 pitches to get through the middle of the Marlins' lineup and record his 34th save of the season. The right-hander has now converted each of his last three save attempts and has not allowed any hits, walks or runs in three straight appearances. Thursday's save did, however, mark the first time in his last seven outings that he failed to record at least one strikeout.
Sep 12 2023Williams picked up the save Tuesday against the Marlins. He struck out one over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After giving up a run in back-to-back appearances to open September, Williams received over a week off and has bounced back with a pair of perfect innings. Despite the little hiccup, Williams is tied for the fifth most saves in MLB and owns a 1.68 ERA across 53.2 frames this year.
Sep 3 2023Williams gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning Saturday to record his 32nd save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Phillies. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander wasn't at his best, tossing only 13 of 24 pitches for strikes, but Williams got Trea Turner swinging with two men aboard to end the game before he could squander a three-run cushion. Williams has blown two of his eight save chances since the beginning of August, but his 2.38 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings over that stretch indicate there's little for those with fantasy shares in the Milwaukee closer to worry about.
Sep 1 2023Williams (8-3) earned the win after he pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one run while striking out a batter in Friday's 7-5 victory over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was called upon to protect a 3-2 lead with two runners on base in the top of the eighth inning, but he surrendered a three-run homer to Trea Turner, suffering his fourth blown save of the season. The offense picked him up in the bottom of the frame though, scoring four runs and regaining a 7-5 lead. Williams then came out for the top of the ninth, setting down the Phillies in order for a perfect inning. The right-hander's season-long numbers remain at a sparkling 1.60 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 31 saves over 50.2 innings in 53 appearances.
Aug 26 2023Williams earned a save against the Padres on Saturday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered in the bottom of the ninth with the Brewers holding a one-run lead, and he had no trouble with the bottom of San Diego's lineup, retiring the side in order on 14 pitches. The right-hander punched out two Padres in the outing and has now struck out multiple batters in four of his past six appearances. Williams continues to stand out as one of MLB's top closers, recording 31 saves in 34 chances while registering a 1.46 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 74:23 K:BB over 49.1 frames.
Aug 20 2023Williams recorded one out and earned a save against Texas on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the game with two on and two outs in the ninth inning and finished off the 6-2 victory. He's converted three straight save chances, giving him 30 in 33 opportunities on the year. The 28-year-old is sporting a 1.52 ERA with a 70:22 K:BB through 47.1 frames.
Aug 18 2023Williams picked up the save Friday against Texas. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out none over two-thirds of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Brewers began the ninth with a five-run lead but with a runner on and the lead cut to three, Williams was called upon to close out the game. He immediately allowed a double by Travis Jankowski that brought the tying run to the plate, but while a Marcus Semien ground out cut the lead to one, it also cleared the bases and Williams induced a Corey Seager flyout to seal the victory. The earned run allowed was his first since July 5 and it was also just the second time in his last 22 appearances he failed to record a strikeout.
Aug 12 2023Williams earned a save over the White Sox on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out three batters in a scoreless inning of work. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth frame and looked to be in some trouble when he yielded an inning-opening single. However, the All-Star closer bounced back to strike out the following three batters and wrap up the contest. It was the second save in as many days for Williams, and he's struck out the side in each outing. He's posted a 13.6 K/9 on the campaign while compiling 28 saves, a 1.36 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.
Aug 11 2023Williams (7-3) earned the win Friday against the White Sox, striking out three in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the bottom of the ninth in a tie game and struck out the side. The Brewers then tallied one in the top of the 10th to help secure the victory for Williams. The Brewers' closer now has seven wins and 27 saves on the season to go along with a 1.39 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 45.1 innings.
Aug 1 2023Williams recorded a strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner during the ninth inning of Tuesday's 6-4 victory in Washington to earn his 27th save of the season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The All-Star closer threw nine of 14 pitches for a strike as he extended his scoreless streak to 10 appearances, and he has a 19:3 K:BB during that span. Williams has blown just two saves all season and has a 1.52 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB across 41.1 innings.
Jul 26 2023Williams picked up the save Wednesday against Cincinnati, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has now gone nine straight appearances (8.2 innings) without allowing a run, going 8-for-8 in save chances while striking out 18 in that span. The 28-year-old right-hander's ERA is down to a stellar 1.56 with a 0.99 WHIP and 59:20 K:BB through 40.1 innings this season.
Jul 22 2023Williams picked up a save against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out three batters over one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams didn't have much margin for error when he entered in the ninth frame, as the Brewers held just a one-run lead. The right-hander allowed a one-out single that quickly came back to haunt him when pinch runner Forrest Wall proceeded to steal second and third base, and Williams issued consecutive two-out walks to load the bases. However, he was able to escape the jam by getting Ozzie Albies to strike out swinging on a changeup. Williams thus converted his seventh consecutive successful save opportunity, and he's not allowed a run while posting a 14:3 K:BB over 6.2 innings during that stretch.
Jul 20 2023Williams gave up two hits and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to close out a 5-3 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander ran into a bit of trouble by giving up singles to Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott, but William Contreras threw out Stott attempting to steal second and Williams then fanned Alec Bohm to end the threat. The Milwaukee closer has been scored upon only once in his last 16 appearances, converting 14 of 15 save chances during that stretch with a 1.15 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB through 15.2 innings.
Jul 16 2023Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 4-3 victory over the Reds. He struck out one over a clean inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sunday's appearance marked five straight outings without surrendering a hit, a stretch in which Williams has picked up five saves and struck out 11 batters. The right-hander is now in sole possession of sixth place in saves and boasts a 1.73 ERA and 0.96 WHIP through 36.1 innings.
Jul 15 2023Williams picked up the save Saturday against the Reds. He struck out two over a clean inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams rattled off his third straight perfect inning and hasn't given up a hit in his last four appearances (3.2 innings). Through 36 outings (35.1 innings), Williams is tied with Josh Hader for the sixth most saves in baseball and owns a 1.78 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and a 12.48 K/9.
Jul 14 2023Williams picked up the save in Friday's 1-0 win over Cincinnati. He struck out two over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams nailed down the win for starter Corbin Burnes and completed the shutout for Milwaukee, bringing the Brewers back into a tie for first place in the NL Central. He needed just 14 pitches to retire the side in order. An All-Star for the second consecutive year, Williams is now 21-for-23 in save chances this season with a sparkling 1.83 ERA.
Jul 9 2023Williams struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams concludes the first half of the campaign 20-for-22 in save chances while keeping runs off the board in 31 of his 34 appearances. The closer was named an All-Star but won't pitch in Seattle on Tuesday. He's maintained a 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB through 33.1 innings this season in his first full year as closer.
Jul 7 2023Williams issued one walk over 0.2 scoreless innings Friday, striking out two and earning a save against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the game with two runners on base but was able to work around trouble to finish the 7-3 win. He blew a save Wednesday against the Cubs after a nine-inning scoreless streak but was able to rebound in his first outing since the misstep. He brought his ERA back down to 1.95 with a 43:18 K:BB and 19 saves through 32.1 frames.
Jul 5 2023Williams (4-2) was charged with the loss and a blown save against the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and no walks while striking out one batter over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was called upon in the ninth frame to protect a two-run Milwaukee lead, but he was unable to come through for just the second time this season. The right-hander gave up a two-out, two run double that tied the game, then saw the eventual winning run cross the plate on an error by third baseman Brian Anderson. The outing snapped a nine-contest, nine-inning scoreless streak for Williams, during which he had racked up eight saves. Despite Wednesday's outcome, Williams ranks among the league's top closers with a 1.99 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 41:17 K:BB and 18 saves over 31.2 innings.
Jul 3 2023Williams picked up the save in Monday's 8-6 victory over the Cubs. He worked around a hit and a walk, logging a strikeout in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has now converted eight straight save opportunities, including his last two in back-to-back games. The 28-year-old right-hander has thrown nine consecutive scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 1.47 with a 1.01 WHIP and 40:17 K:BB across 30.2 innings this season.
Jul 2 2023Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh, logging a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has converted his last seven save chances, pitching eight consecutive scoreless innings over that span while allowing just two hits. The 28-year-old righty's ERA is down to 1.52 with a 0.98 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB across 29.2 innings. Williams should remain one of the upper-tier closing options for fantasy purposes this season.
Jun 29 2023Williams picked up a save against the Mets on Thursday, yielding one hit and two walks while striking out one batter over one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams came on in the ninth inning with Milwaukee holding a one-run lead and certainly made the final frame interesting. The righty reliever allowed New York to load the bases with two outs, but he struck out Starling Marte to escape the jam and notch his 16th save. Three of those saves have come over the past four days, and Williams has racked up six saves without allowing a run over seven outings since June 16.
Jun 27 2023Williams picked up the save Monday against the Mets, tossing a perfect ninth inning. He didn't record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams retired Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Daniel Vogelbach in order to record his 14th save. The right-hander is now 14-for-15 in save chances this season and sports elite numbers across the board (1.69 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 35:14 K:BB). The 28-year-old's career high for saves in a season is 15, which he set last year when he took over as the Brewers' full-time closer after the surprising trade of Josh Hader at the deadline.
Jun 26 2023Williams (4-1) tossed a perfect ninth inning and wound up with the win over the Guardians on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was handed the ninth with the game tied and got the job done by sending the Guardian hitters down in order on 16 pitches. The Brewers wound up winning after taking the lead in the 10th, handing Williams his first win since May 13. The 26-year-old continues to be one of the more reliable closers in baseball. He's given up a run in just two of 26 appearances this year and sports a sparkling 1.75 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 35:14 K:BB over 25.2 innings.
Jun 20 2023Williams struck out one and walked one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 7-5 win against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The electric right-hander generated four swinging strikes on 14 pitches, with the only blemish against him being a one-out walk. Since being tagged for four runs in his first blown save last week in Minnesota, Williams has converted his past three save chances without giving up any runs.
Jun 19 2023Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 5-2 victory over the Pirates, striking out two over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams locked down back-to-back save chances versus Pittsburgh after blowing his first save of the season last week versus Minnesota. Overall, the right-hander boasts a 1.90 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 34:13 K:BB across 24 appearances (23.2 innings) and is 12-for-13 in save opportunities. Williams' career-high mark for saves is 15, which he set last year when he took over as the Brewers' full-time closer after the surprising trade of Josh Hader at the deadline. Williams remains an elite option, but he hasn't gotten enough opportunities this year to contend for the MLB lead in saves.
Jun 16 2023Williams allowed one hit and two walks in one scoreless inning Friday, striking out two and earning a save over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams loaded the bases with two outs but managed to close out the 5-4 win. This performance comes after he coughed up four runs without recording an out while blowing his first save of the year Tuesday. Williams has now converted 11 of 12 save opportunities while posting a 1.99 ERA and a 32:13 K:BB through 22.2 frames.
Jun 14 2023Williams (3-1) blew the save and took the loss Tuesday as the Brewers fell 7-5 to the Twins, failing to record an out and coughing up four runs on three hits and a walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Two of the hits off Williams left the yard, including Carlos Correa's first career walk-off homer in the regular season. It's the first blown save of the year in 11 opportunities for the closer, who hadn't given up a run in his prior 10 appearances and saw his ERA jump more than one and a half runs as a result of this performance. Despite this stumble, Williams still sports a 2.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB through 21.2 innings.
Jun 4 2023Williams picked up the save during Saturday's 10-8 win over Cincinnati, tossing a scoreless inning in which he allowed zero hits and two walks while striking out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jake Cousins started the ninth with a four-run lead but allowed the first three batters to reach and failed to record an out, so Williams came on to finish the job. The closer's command was a bit shaky, but he still shut the door on Cincinnati's comeback by striking out the side. Williams is a perfect 10-for-10 in save opportunities this year and sports a 0.46 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB across 19 appearances (19.2 innings).
May 29 2023Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 7-5 victory over the Giants, tossing 1.1 hitless innings while striking out three and walking one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams made his first appearance in a week but didn't look rusty as he secured his eighth save. The right-hander has yet to blow a save this season and has given up a run in just one of his 16 appearances, which is good for a 0.54 ERA. Williams remains one of the elite closers in MLB, but the Brewers simply haven't been in enough close games yet to capitalize on his full potential.
May 21 2023Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Rays. He allowed two walks over 1.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was forced to enter into the game in the eighth inning for the second straight time, coming in for Peter Strzelecki with a runner on first and second and two outs after the Brewers' lead was cut down to two. Though Williams walked his first batter and loaded the bases, he managed to retire Isaac Paredes to end the inning and made it through the ninth to convert his seventh save of the season in as many opportunities. After recording at least one strikeout in 11 of his last 12 appearances, Williams was unable to manage a single punchout in his 1.1 innings of action.
May 17 2023Williams picked up the save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. He allowed one hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was called upon to get the Brewers out of some trouble in the eighth inning after coming in to replace Peter Strzelecki with runners on first and second and one out. The 28-year-old recorded his first save of more than an inning this season and is now a perfect 6-for-6 in save chances. He owns a 0.64 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB over 14 innings.
Apr 29 2023Williams picked up the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Angels. He only faced two batters, allowing one hit before forcing a lineout to end the game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams continues to perform, as he still has not allowed a run across 9.1 innings this year. The right-hander's five saves are tied for fourth in the league, and he also sports a 0.86 WHIP. Fantasy managers can count on the fifth-year-veteran to get the job done more often than not.
Apr 28 2023Williams picked up the save Friday against the Angels. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has been among baseball's best this season. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in 2023. In nine innings Williams has struck out 14 while posting a 0.78 WHIP.
Apr 5 2023Williams (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to get credit for the win in a 7-6 victory over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Seeing his first action since April 1 as he was afforded some extra rest due to a bicep bruise, Williams shut down New York on only nine pitches (five strikes), putting him in the right place to get the win when Garrett Mitchell launched a walkoff homer. After recording a career-high 15 saves last season with Josh Hader shipped to the Padres, Williams and his Airbender changeup figure to shatter than mark in 2023.
Apr 2 2023Williams (biceps) warmed up in the bullpen and was available if needed during Sunday's game against the Cubs, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A liner deflected off Williams' right biceps during Saturday's win over the Cubs, but he was able to remain in the game to pick up the save. His availability was in question ahead of Sunday's series finale, but manager Craig Counsell said after the game that the right-hander would have been available in a save situation. While the Brewers' medical staff will likely continue to monitor Williams if he's feeling sore, it wouldn't be surprising to see him available for Milwaukee's home opener against the Mets on Monday.
Apr 1 2023Williams picked up his first save of the year Saturday against the Cubs, striking out one and allowing two hits in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't the cleanest of innings for Williams in his first outing of the year, but he got the job done. After allowing a pair of singles to start the inning (one of which deflected off him), he got Cody Bellinger to ground into a double play before striking out Miles Mastrobuoni to end the game. Williams is expected to serve as the closer full-time this season, relying on his "Airbender" changeup to deceive hitters in high-leverage moments.
Jan 13 2023Williams agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Brewers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first year of arbitration eligibility for the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, so he'll get a significant raise from his salary over the past few years. The 28-year-old is now locked is as Milwaukee's closer and had a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 96:30 K:BB across 60.2 innings last season.
Oct 1 2022Williams picked up the save Friday against the Marlins, allowing a hit while striking out three and walking two over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams escaped with the save after allowing three baserunners He tossed 13 of 27 pitches for strikes to pick up his 15th save of the season. He logged six saves in September after apparently locking down the closer job. The righty reliever has allowed just one earned run in 10.1 innings across his last nine appearances, lowering his ERA for the year to 1.64.
Sep 23 2022Williams retired the only four batters he faced while earning a save over the Reds on Friday. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams recorded one out to end the eighth inning before striking out the side in the ninth to finish off the 5-3 win. The 28-year-old righty now has 14 saves in 15 attempts this season. He's allowed one run over his last 9.2 innings, lowering his season ERA to 1.72 through 62 appearances.
Sep 18 2022Williams did not give up a hit or a walk over a scoreless inning of work to earn the save in a 4-1 victory over the Yankees on Saturday. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams came on to pitch the ninth with a three-run lead after teammate Brandon Woodruff spun an eight-inning gem. He took care of the last three Yankees hitters on twelve pitches to pick up his 13th save of the season. Williams now has an superb ERA of 1.42 in six September appearances with four saves and a win over that stretch.
Sep 11 2022Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Reds. He allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out two over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the ninth inning up by two and almost blew the save after allowing the first three runners to reach base. A leadoff double preceded an infield single and an error by Jace Peterson to score one run. Williams then struck out Kyle Farmer but surrendered a sacrifice fly off the bat of TJ Friedl to pull the game within one before striking out Jonathan India to end the game and earn the save. The Brewers' closer is now 6-for-7 in save opportunities since taking over the role after Josh Hader was traded on Aug. 1.
Sep 8 2022Williams picked up the save in one perfect inning Thursday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has seized his opportunity to occupy the closer role since Hader's exit; aside from allowing one earned run in back-to-back outings in late August, he has been blemish free in his last 14 appearances. In addition, the 27-year-old has not allowed a hit in 10 of his last 13 outings.
Sep 5 2022Williams issued one walk and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings while earning a save against the Rockies on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After earning a win in each of his last two outings, Williams picked up his first save since Aug. 28. He's now converted 10 of his 11 opportunities while going 6-3 and adding 25 holds through 57 appearances. Williams has turned in four straight scoreless outings, lowering his season ERA to 1.72 ERA with an 80:25 K:BB.
Aug 29 2022Williams (5-3) earned a win with a scoreless inning against the Pirates on Monday. He struck out two and walked one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams tossed a shutout ninth inning and earned the win when Milwaukee walked it off in the bottom of the frame. He lowered his ERA to 1.80 with a 78:24 K:BB through 50 innings this season. In 12 August appearances, Williams has posted a 2.61 ERA while going 3-3 and converting three saves in four chances.
Aug 18 2022Williams struck out the side without allowing a baserunner to earn the save Thursday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the game with a two-run lead and had little trouble shutting the door on the Dodgers to earn his eighth save of the season. He's allowed only one earned run across his last 37 appearances -- dating back to May 13-- and he owns an excellent 1.55 ERA and 75:19 K:BB across 46.1 innings for the season. Williams has also collected two of the team's four saves since Josh Hader was traded.
Aug 13 2022Williams (4-2) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the win in Saturday's extra-inning victory over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was deployed in the ninth inning to keep the game tied, and he did so with relative ease. The Brewers took the lead in the 10th, and Matt Bush closed out the contest. Since Josh Hader was traded to the Padres, Williams has collected a save, two wins and two losses. His usage Saturday followed that of a traditional closer in a tie game on the road, though it's safe to say he hasn't fully seized control of the role. Bush has two saves since joining the Brewers in a trade from Texas, while Taylor Rogers missed time with a knee injury and has yet to log a save or hold for Milwaukee. This bullpen remains a fluid situation, though Williams' stellar ratios (1.62 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 71:19 K:BB) through 44.1 innings still make him the favorite for converting save chances.
Aug 10 2022Williams (3-2) struck out one in a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to pick up the win in a 4-3 victory over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He needed only seven pitches (four strikes) to breeze through the top of the 10th inning thanks in part to Victor Caratini throwing out Taylor Walls attempting to steal second, and Williams got rewarded for his efforts when Willy Adames smacked a walkoff single against his former club in the bottom of the frame. Williams has yet to give up an earned run in four appearances since Josh Hader was dealt to the Padres, and on the season the right-hander sports a 1.66 ERA and 70:19 K:BB through 43.1 innings with seven saves in seven chances and 25 holds.
Aug 5 2022Williams struck out both batters he faced to earn the save in Friday's 5-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Trevor Gott walked two of the first three batters in the ninth inning, but Williams was able to strike out Matt Reynolds and Jonathan India to end the threat. This was Williams' first save (and opportunity) since the Brewers traded Josh Hader to the Padres on Monday. Williams owns a 1.74 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 68:19 K:BB, seven saves and 25 holds through 41.1 innings this season. He's pitched three days in a row, so any potential save opportunity Saturday is likely to go to Taylor Rogers. The balance between those two high-end relievers has yet to be established, but Williams' elite stuff makes him the more intriguing potential closer.
Aug 4 2022Williams dropped to 2-1 after he allowed a walkoff solo home run to Bryan Reynolds in the Brewers' 8-7 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pitching for the first time since the Brewers traded four-time All-Star closer Josh Hader to the Padres on Monday, Williams entered a tie game and would have been in position for a win if he had retired the side and if Milwaukee scored in the bottom of the inning. Unfortunately for Williams, he threw only three pitches before Reynolds took him deep to right center field, ending the right-hander's streak of 30 consecutive scoreless appearances that dated back to May 10. Given his sheer dominance over the past three months, Williams' blemish can be easily forgiven, but it remains unclear how the Brewers plan to deploy him during the post-Hader era. In the Hader deal, Milwaukee received an established closer in Taylor Rogers, who saved 28 games and posted strong underlying numbers before losing the job in San Diego. Williams' sterling ratios will still make him a valuable asset in the majority of fantasy leagues even if the Brewers choose to keep him in a setup role or as part of a closer committee with Rogers, but Williams would have the upside of being the top fantasy closer if Milwaukee hands him the overwhelming majority of its save opportunities.
Jul 14 2022Williams struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Josh Hader and Williams had pitched each of the last two days, but the former took a loss Wednesday after allowing three runs. Williams continued his recent run of dominance even as Mike Yastrzemski stole third as the ghost runner. Williams' scoreless streak is now two months long, as he hasn't allowed any runs in his last 24.2 innings across 26 appearances. He owns a 1.77 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 59:19 K:BB through 35.2 innings this year while adding six saves and 23 holds without being charged with a blown save.
Jul 9 2022Williams tossed a scoreless eighth inning and picked up his league-leading 22nd hold in Friday's victory over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams allowed a couple runners to reach base Friday, but when it was all said and done he wound up keeping the opponent off the scoreboard for the 23rd time in his last 23 appearances. Since that streak began, Williams has also posted a tiny 0.69 WHIP and a 36:8 K:BB over 21.2 frames.
Jun 19 2022Williams earned the save in Sunday's win in Cincinnati, retiring the side in order in the ninth while striking out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All nine pitches Williams threw went for strikes and the only thing that kept him from an immaculate innings was a softly hit grounder by Albert Almora. With Josh Hader on the paternity list, Williams was given the chance to record his first save since May 25. Over his last 15 outings, he has been basically unhittable, allowing no runs on five hits in 15 innings while posting a 24:3 K:BB.
Jun 17 2022Williams may serve as the Brewers' closer this weekend against the Reds with Josh Hader (paternity list) remaining with his family until Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has a 13-inning scoreless streak going, notching one win, two saves, five holds and 20 strikeouts in those 13 appearances. He has seven career saves.
May 26 2022Williams recorded his fourth save of the season in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Padres, working a perfect ninth inning without a walk or a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Josh Hader (bereavement list) still away from the team, Williams pitched for a third straight day and picked up his second straight save, although his fatigue showed in the fact that he failed to strike out a batter for the first time all year. The right-hander will likely be unavailable Thursday to begin a weekend series in St. Louis, but Williams should be back in his high-leverage role soon enough. He has two wins, four saves and 11 holds in 20 appearances to go along with his 3.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB through 18 innings.
May 24 2022Williams saved Tuesday's 4-1 win against the Padres, striking out two in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With closer Josh Hader on the bereavement list, manager Craig Counsell turned to Williams for the save and the righty delivered with a stress-free outing. The 27-year-old threw 24 pitches during Monday's loss yet was still able to induce an impressive three swinging strikes and two whiffs on 12 pitches Tuesday. Williams could see a few more save chances this week while Hader is away from the team.
May 13 2022Williams (2-0) earned the win Saturday against the Marlins after throwing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was tasked with preserving a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth and accomplished his task easily, sandwiching a flyout between a pair of strikeouts. The Brewers then scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning on a bases-loaded walk by Jace Peterson. The outing lowered Williams' season ERA to 5.25 while raising his strikeout rate to 36.8 percent.
May 3 2022Williams closed out the Reds on Tuesday to earn his second save of the season. He struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Craig Counsell revealed after the game that Josh Hader was unavailable due to mid-back spasms. Fortunately for the Brewers, they have another one of the best relievers in baseball in Williams who can step in for saves while Hader is ailing, though it doesn't sound like the lefty will be out more than a few additional days as a result of this particular issue.
Apr 24 2022Williams (1-0) picked up the win in a 1-0 victory over the Phillies on Sunday, walking one with one strikeout in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams pitched the eighth inning of a 0-0 tie and fell in line for the victory when Milwaukee took the lead in the top of the ninth. The 27-year-old now has seven holds and a win in eight appearances this season -- all Milwaukee wins -- despite a 5.68 ERA due to a pair of poor outings.
Apr 13 2022Williams tossed a scoreless eighth inning and picked up his second hold of the season in Tuesday's victory over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams did not make things easy on himself, allowing the first three batters he faced to reach base, but he punched out the next three hitters that came to the plate and maintained the one-run lead the Brewers held when he entered the contest. Williams has tossed just two innings thus far, but five of the six outs he has recorded have come via strikeout.
Mar 26 2022During a spring training game on Friday, Williams threw the new cutter about eight times, all of which to left-handed hitters, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams' changeup remains extremely effective with .161 BA, .232 SLG, .211 wOBA, and 47.2% Whiff% in 2021. With above-average horizontal and vertical movement, it would benefit Williams to add a pitch that breaks towards lefties. Williams hopes to use the cutter against lefties to "get them off of the other side of the plate a little bit." Although Williams isn't sure how effective the cutter will be, it's something to monitor during the season.
Mar 15 2022Williams is working on a slider or cutter this spring, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams threw a slider in the minors but hasn't used it much in the majors. His elite changeup is the pitch that carries his profile, but an additional secondary could give him an unexpected additional weapon and could make his changeup even better if hitters aren't able to sit on it quite as much.
Jan 5 2022Williams said Wednesday in an interview with Will Sammon of The Athletic that he expects to be fully healthy for the start of spring training after undergoing right hand surgery in early October. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams' interview marked the first time he spoke to the media since he fractured his hand Sept. 26 after punching a wall while celebrating the Brewers' division title. The untimely incident kept Williams from pitching in the second straight postseason, after he was sidelined late in 2020 due to a shoulder injury. The shoulder issue lingered into this past spring and had a hand in Williams' early-season struggles, but before fracturing his hand, the right-handed setup man looked to have rediscovered the form that made him the National League's Rookie of the Year. Over his final 25.2 innings, Williams posted a 1.40 ERA and 41 strikeouts, offering hope that he'll be able to enter 2022 with some confidence, provided he continues to progress well in his recovery from hand surgery. Williams resumed throwing and lifting weights just before Thanksgiving, and he should gradually ramp up the intensity of his workouts as spring training approaches.
Oct 5 2021Williams underwent successful surgery to repair his fractured right hand over the weekend, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: President of baseball operations David Stearns previously said Williams may be healthy in time for the World Series if the Brewers make it that far, and that timeline apparently remains unchanged. The 27-year-old posted a 2.50 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 87:28 K:BB over 54 innings with three saves and 23 holds while operating as the setup man for closer Josh Hader, so it's a significant blow for Milwaukee in the playoffs. Game 1 of the World Series is Oct. 26, so the right-hander has exactly three weeks to get healthy and build up his arm. He'll head to the spring training facility in Arizona to go through his rehab work.
Sep 29 2021The Brewers will place Wililams on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a fractured right hand, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams had been dealing with a calf injury recently, but he'll require surgery on his right hand after he punched a wall Sunday while the Brewers were celebrating their division title. President of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday that the right-hander could return for the World Series if the Brewers advance that far, but he's expected to miss significant time. He had recorded three saves and eight holds with a 1.74 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 20.2 innings since the All-Star break, but Brad Boxberger and Brent Suter will likely handle more setup duties late in the regular season and during the postseason.
Sep 24 2021Williams' calf is feeling better, but it's not yet clear when he'll return to action, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A calf issue has kept Williams off the mound since Saturday. He played catch prior to Friday's game the Mets, but the Brewers have yet to officially say that he's ready for game action.
Sep 23 2021Williams has been unavailable recently due to a calf injury, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams hasn't pitched since Sept. 18, and manager Craig Counsell revealed after Thursday's loss to the Cardinals that the right-hander recently sustained a calf injury while running in the outfield. The team is hopeful that the 27-year-old will be able to avoid a trip to the injured list, but it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return.
Sep 19 2021Williams fired a scoreless eighth inning and picked up his eighth win of the season Saturday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams issued his fifth walk in five appearances Saturday, but he also struck out the side for the ninth time this season and wound up with the win when Manny Pina hit a go-ahead homer in the home half of the eighth. Williams was tagged for four earned runs by the Giants in his first September outing, but those are the only runs he has allowed in 26 appearances since June 23.
Aug 19 2021Williams tossed a scoreless 10th inning and picked up his third save of the season in Wednesday's victory over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Closer Josh Hader pitched the bottom of the ninth inning after the Brewers tied the game in the top of the frame, so Williams got a shot to close it out after the offense put up three runs in the 10th inning. Although he allowed the courtesy runner to score, that was the extent of the damage. Williams has allowed just one earned run since June 5, and since that stretch began he has recorded five wins, three saves, a 0.38 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP while posting a 38:9 K:BB over 24 innings.
Aug 10 2021Williams gave up three hits and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning Tuesday to record his second save of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander loaded the bases on three singles, but Williams rebounded to fan Patrick Wisdom and Greg Deichmann to end the matinee. Both of Williams' saves have come in his last three appearances as he extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings and 13 games, and he should remain the Brewers' top closing option while Josh Hader (COVID-19) is sidelined.
Aug 4 2021Williams struck out two and walked one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old successfully protected a two-run lead to earn his first major-league save. Williams has stepped into the closing role temporarily while Josh Hader is on the COVID-19 injured list. In his last 11 outings, Williams has pitched 10 scoreless innings with just four hits and five walks allowed while striking out 16. He owns a 2.58 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 17 holds through 38.1 innings overall while primarily serving as the setup man for Milwaukee.
Aug 2 2021Williams is likely to fill in as Milwaukee's closer after Josh Hader (illness) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hader is the fourth reliever, and fifth player overall, on the COVID IL for the Brewers, and Williams should now have the chance to work as the closer for a brief period. The right-hander has yet to record a save in 75 big-league appearances, but he's been a key bullpen piece for manager Craig Counsell over the past two years as a setup man. Williams struggled over the first few weeks of the season, but over his past 33 outings he has a 1.82 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 48:15 K:BB in 29.2 innings.
Jul 27 2021Williams (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The changeup specialist ultimately missed the minimum amount of time after landing on the injured list July 17 with elbow soreness. Before the injury, Williams had held opponents scoreless in six consecutive appearances and in 14 of his last 15. On the season, the righty has 15 holds in 18 opportunities as one of Milwaukee's top high-leverage relief options.
Jul 23 2021Williams (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has been able to throw off flat ground since early in the week, but he's now close to resuming mound work as he continues to make good progress in his recovery. The right-hander has been sidelined due to elbow discomfort since July 17, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action.
Jul 20 2021Williams (elbow) said Tuesday that he's hopeful his stay on the injured list will end after the minimum 10 days, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams played catch Tuesday for the first time since landing on the IL with right elbow discomfort last Friday. While nothing is set in stone, the right-hander appears to be on track for a short stay on the injured list, even if it ends up being slightly longer than the 10 days. If he is indeed ready to be activated when first eligible, the 26-year-old would return to the Brewers' bullpen Saturday against the White Sox.
Jul 17 2021Williams was placed on the 10-day injured list with right elbow discomfort Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams showed no signs of injury late in the first half, allowing just a single earned run in his last 15 appearances. Per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, president of baseball operations David Stearns said that a Saturday MRI revealed no structural damage, and that the right-hander is not expected to require a lengthy absence. The Brewers can backdate the transaction by three days, leaving Williams eligible to return next Saturday, but it's not yet clear if he'll be in contention to do so.
Jul 8 2021Williams (6-1) struck out two in a perfect inning, earning the win in Thursday's victory over Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams did his job to keep the game tied through the top of the eighth, and Avisail Garcia put Milwaukee ahead in the bottom half of the frame. In his last seven outings, Williams has produced some solid value with four wins and three holds. The setup man has a 3.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 51:20 K:BB across 32.1 innings this season. He's added 15 holds and three blown saves in 36 appearances.
Jun 29 2021Williams (5-1) pitched a scoreless eighth inning Monday, working around one hit and two walks while striking out one to earn the win against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams struggled to keep the game tied in the eighth inning, but he ultimately stranded the bases loaded without allowing any runs. He's shown some inconsistency this season on the heels of his 2020 Reliever of the Year campaign, as the 26-year-old has a 3.26 ERA and a bloated 1.42 WHIP across 30.1 innings. Though he's struggled with his command at times, he still owns an elite 14.5 K/9 -- albeit not as elite as last year's ridiculous 17.7 figure.
Jun 25 2021Williams (4-1) struck out two in a perfect 11th inning to earn the win against the Rockies on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams had to inherit the runner on second base to begin the 11th inning Friday, but he didn't allow any additional baserunners and earned his second win in his last three outings as a result. The right-hander has been slightly more inconsistent in 2021 than he was in his rookie season, but he's posted a 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB in six innings across his last seven appearances.
Jun 21 2021Williams (3-1) struck out three batters and picked up his third win of the season in Sunday's victory over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams took his first loss of the season when he allowed the courtesy runner on second base to score in Friday's game, but he bounced back with a dominant frame and added another win to his tally. The unearned run he allowed Friday was the only run he allowed over his past eight appearances, and over that span he allowed only four hits while posting a 13:3 K:BB over seven innings.
Jun 5 2021Williams (2-0) walked one and struck out two in one inning to earn the win Saturday versus Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams kept the game tied at 5-5 in the top of the eighth inning. Milwaukee took the lead on back-to-back home runs by Christian Yelich and Omar Narvaez in the bottom of the eighth. Williams has been a little shaky lately, allowing three runs across his last four outings. He has a 4.22 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 34:15 K:BB across 21.1 innings this year. He's racked up eight holds and three blown saves.
Jun 4 2021Williams earned a hold while allowing one run on a hit and two walks across one inning during Thursday's win over the Diamondbacks. He recorded three strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was unavailable out of the bullpen for unspecified reasons over the past couple days, but he return to action Thursday. Williams entered for the eighth inning and walked David Peralta to start the frame, who came around to score on a single after advancing to second base on a wild pitch. The right-hander has mostly rebounded from a horrible start to the season, but he continues to be hurt by free passes. Over his past 11 appearances, Williams has only been scored upon in the four outings in which he issued a walk.
May 31 2021Brewers manager Craig Counsell said after Monday's 3-2 win over Detroit in 10 innings that Williams wasn't available out of the bullpen due to an unspecified issue, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. "Devin was a 'no,'" Counsell said. "He just didn't feel good [Monday], so we stayed away from him." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After claiming National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, Williams has taken a big step back in 2021, logging a 4.19 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 29:12 K:BB in 19.1 innings. The right shoulder injury Williams developed shortly before the playoffs last season may be having some effect on his downturn in velocity, command and control, but for now, the Brewers aren't indicating that he's being held out due to any concerning physical issue. Milwaukee could stay away from Williams again in Tuesday's series finale with Detroit, which would allow him to pick up another day of rest during Wednesday's off day.
Apr 28 2021Williams logged his fourth hold of the season Tuesday after throwing a scoreless eighth inning while allowing no hits, one walk and striking out two against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams has now successfully converted four straight holds over the last week after experiencing some early struggles to begin the year. The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year has a 1.80 ERA and an 8:2 K:BB over his last five innings. He's starting to find his old self on the mound and his ability to preserve a lead is a major reason why the Brewers are 7-3 over their last 10 games.
Apr 26 2021Williams threw a perfect eighth inning and struck out a batter in Sunday's 6-0 victory over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams got off to a slow start, being tagged for four earned runs and two homers over his first four appearances and allowing at least one runner to reach in his first seven outings. However, his results have been markedly better of late, as although he gave up another home run Saturday, that was the only run and just one of two hits he allowed over his last four trips to the mound. Manager Craig Counsell briefly removed Williams from the setup role a week or so ago, but with him turning things around and tossing a clean frame in what was a 1-0 game when he entered, there's no doubt he is again the go-to man in front of Josh Hader.
Apr 22 2021Williams struck out two and walked one in one inning of relief, earning a hold in Wednesday's 4-2 win over San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is beginning to resemble his 2020 self after allowing runs in three of his first four appearances this season. Featuring a mid-90s fastball as merely a complement to his signature, late-sinking changeup, Williams displayed his propensity to baffle the best of hitters Wednesday as he embarrassed Fernando Tatis with three straight changeups. The righty figures to be an elite fantasy asset as the season progresses, specifically in leagues that count holds.
Apr 17 2021Williams allowed two earned runs over an inning of relief in Friday's 6-1 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams allowed just one earned run all season en route to being named NL Rookie of the Year in 2020, but he has now given up at least one earned run in three of his four appearances in 2021. A late start to the spring could be the primary cause of his issues. According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in an effort to build Williams up, manager Craig Counsell is going to use him on a more regular basis for the time being, as opposed to only in setup situations in front of closer Josh Hader.
Apr 7 2021Williams allowed one run on a hit and a walk and struck out two in one inning in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Cubs. He was charged with a blown save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams entered the game with the Brewers ahead 1-0, but he allowed a solo home run to Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson in the bottom of the eighth. The 26-year-old Williams has allowed two runs, two hits and two walks with three strikeouts across 1.2 innings to begin 2021. Despite already allowing more earned runs than he did in all of 2020, the right-hander is expected to remain in a setup role to closer Josh Hader.
Mar 24 2021Williams threw a scoreless inning and struck out two batters in his second appearance of the spring Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams allowed an earned run and got just two outs in his March 20 spring debut, but he kept the opponent off the scoreboard Tuesday and used his devastating changeup to induce two punchouts. While he got a late start to the spring, Williams will be ready to go when Opening Day rolls around, and he will open in the setup role in front of closer Josh Hader.
Mar 20 2021Williams will make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, and he'll be available to make his Cactus League debut in relief Saturday. The right-hander has been brought along slowly this spring after he missed the wild-card series in 2020 due to shoulder soreness, but the team hasn't expressed any concerns regarding his Opening Day status. Josh Hader is still expected to serve as Milwaukee's closer in 2021, but Williams is one of the top non-closer relievers in fantasy baseball after he posted a 0.33 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB over 27 innings during 22 relief appearances last year.
Mar 14 2021Brewers manager Craig Counsell said that Williams will throw a live batting practice session Tuesday before likely making his Cactus League debut late next week, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Williams received a clean bill of health early in the offseason after a sore right shoulder prevented him from pitching in the Brewers' wild-card round series loss to the Dodgers, the coaching staff has been deliberately easing the reigning National League Rookie of the Year along during spring training. At this stage, the Brewers haven't voiced any concerns about Williams, who Counsell said looked good during his most recent live BP session Saturday. Josh Hader remains in line to save games for Milwaukee in 2021, but Williams profiles as the top non-closer reliever in fantasy baseball after delivering unparalleled ratios (0.33 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 44.0 K-BB% over 27 innings) during his first full season in the majors.
Mar 3 2021Williams is scheduled to throw his fourth bullpen session of the spring Thursday, Sophia Minnaert of Fox Sports Wisconsin reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams dealt with right shoulder soreness late in the 2020 campaign but received full medical clearance in October. However, the Brewers continue to bring him along slowly during spring training to protect his health for the regular season. Manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Williams won't pitch in a Cactus League game until after March 17, but the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year remains on track to be ready for Opening Day.
Feb 22 2021Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Williams (shoulder) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session of spring training Tuesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Williams received full medical clearance in October after a sore right shoulder prevented him from competing in the Brewers' wild-card series loss to the Dodgers, the team has been deliberately easing him into workouts in the early stages of spring training. Counsell stressed that Williams isn't dealing with any setbacks, so assuming the right-hander checks out fine in Tuesday's throwing session, he should still be able to make his 2021 debut early in the Brewers' Cactus League schedule. Williams took home NL Rookie of the Year honors after dazzling in a setup role in 2020, finishing with a microscopic 0.33 ERA to go with a 0.63 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB in 27 innings.
Nov 9 2020Williams was announced as the National League Rookie of the Year on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams faced just 100 batters to win the award, but he struck out a remarkable 53 of them. He gave up just one earned run all season in 27 innings of work, holding opposing hitters to a .089 batting average. The righty earned 14 out of 30 first-place votes and 27 top-three votes overall. Alec Bohm and Jake Cronenworth tied for second behind him.
Oct 24 2020Williams was named the 2020 National League Reliever of the Year on Saturday, Marc Carig of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams allowed only one earned run across 27 innings of work in the shortened campaign. He thoroughly dominated opposing hitters, punching out 53 batters while walking only nine. Although Williams was unable to pitch in the postseason due a shoulder injury, he is expected to be ready for the 2021 campaign without undergoing surgery.
Oct 5 2020Brewers general manager David Stearns said Monday that Williams won't require any procedures for his right shoulder and should be in store for a relatively normal offseason, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams was surprisingly left off the Brewers' 28-man roster for the team's wild-card series with the Dodgers last week after he was revealed to be dealing with right shoulder soreness. Fortunately for the standout setup man, Stearns clarified that Williams' injury was only a minor concern, going as far to say that the 26-year-old likely would have been included on the Brewers' NLDS roster had Milwaukee advanced past the Dodgers. Instead, Williams will likely just get some extra rest and rehab over the next few weeks before starting his offseason training program in earnest, looking to build on a 2020 campaign in which he emerged as arguably the best reliever in the majors. Thanks to the development of a unique changeup featuring a slider-like spin, Williams finished his rookie season with a 0.33 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB in 27 innings.
Sep 30 2020Williams was left off the Brewers' wild-card roster Wednesday due to right shoulder soreness, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The news of Williams' injury comes out of nowhere, as the 26-year-old wasn't known to be dealing with any issues coming out of his final appearance of the regular season Friday. His absence for the three-game series is a major blow for the Brewers, as Williams was arguably the best reliever in baseball this season. In 27 innings out of the bullpen, he struck out 53 batters (good for a 53.0 percent strikeout rate, as he faced exactly 100 batters) while allowing just a single earned run.
Sep 26 2020Williams (4-1) picked up the win in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, giving up two hits over two scoreless innings of relief. He struck out one without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His emergence as a right-handed version of Josh Hader gives the Brewers' bullpen a bright future, even if they'll ultimately fall short of the playoffs. Williams has posted a 0.33 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB with nine holds in 22 appearances (27 innings).
Sep 23 2020Williams struck out five of the seven batters he faced over two scoreless frames en route to picking up his ninth hold of the season Tuesday in the Brewers' 3-2 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from walking Jesse Winker to begin the bottom of the seventh, Williams was otherwise electric as usual, inducing eight swings and misses among his 31 pitches. Williams hasn't allowed a run since his second appearance of the season back on July 27, compiling a 48:7 K:BB to go with an 0.49 WHIP in 22.2 innings over his last 19 outings.
Sep 17 2020Williams tossed a scoreless inning of relief and struck out two batters in the Brewers' victory over the Cardinals in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams allowed four runners to cross the plate -- just one of those runs were earned -- over his first four outings of the season, but he has been otherwordly since, giving up zero runs of any sort over his last 15 trips to the mound while striking out 35 batters in 16.2 innings (18.9 K/9) and allowing just eight runners to even reach base (0.48 WHIP). Williams' fantasy value at present is somewhat limited by his lack of saves, but should the Brewers move Josh Hader at any point and install Williams as the closer, few relievers would be as or more desirable in fantasy leagues.
Sep 6 2020Williams struck out four batters over two scoreless innings in Saturday's loss to Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Only a catcher's interference prevented Williams from being perfect Saturday, as he was otherwise dominant, which is becoming the norm for him. Williams' changeup has taken him to new heights, and over his last eight appearances -- all hitless -- he has struck out a whopping 20 batters and has walked just two in 9.1 innings.
Aug 31 2020Williams (3-1) allowed just one walk over 1.2 innings and struck out four to earn the win versus the Pirates on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams got the last two outs of the seventh inning and added a clean eighth to keep the game tied at five. The Brewers took the lead in the bottom of the eighth to make him the pitcher of record, and Josh Hader was able to lock down the save. Williams has been wonderful this season, with a 0.64 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 29 strikeouts across 14 innings. He's also added five holds.
Aug 24 2020Through six appearances in August, Williams has struck out 15 while giving up an unearned run on two hits and three walks over 6.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Josh Hader has been dominant as usual at the back end of the Milwaukee bullpen and his locked in as the team's closer, but Williams has risen from relative obscurity to potentially emerge as the next man up for save chances. The key to Williams' success has been his mid-80s changeup, which ranks tops among all pitchers in horizontal movement and fourth in vertical movement, as measured by Statcast.
Aug 10 2020Williams tossed a scoreless seventh inning in Sunday's victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams earned a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster this season for the first time, and he has found himself working in key situations early on, with each of his five appearances coming when the Brewers have either been tied or ahead on the scoreboard. He has proven up to the task, allowing just one earned run (1.69 ERA) while punching out 10 batters over 5.1 innings of relief.
Jul 23 2020Williams will open the season on the Brewers' 30-man roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams held his own in 13 games out of the Brewers' bullpen last season, and he showed enough this spring and summer to break camp with the big club for the first time. Williams will not open in a prominent role, but he could be part of the group of relievers manager Craig Counsell turns to when trying to hold a lead in the middle innings.
Jul 19 2020Williams has impressed in camp and could make the Opening Day bullpen, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams and Bobby Wahl were mentioned by manager Craig Counsell as two relievers who have impressed in the battle for the team's final bullpen spots. Williams logged a 3.95 ERA and 14:6 K:BB in 13.2 innings out of the big-league bullpen in 2019.
Mar 1 2020Williams tossed a scoreless inning of relief in Saturday's spring game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams kept the opponent off the scoreboard Saturday after allowing three earned runs over his first two appearances of the exhibition season. He pitched 13.2 innings with the big club last season and saw mixed success, striking out 14 batters but posting a 1.76 WHIP. With a few more quality outings over the remainder of the spring, he will have a chance to break camp with the Brewers for the first time.
Sep 10 2019Williams was recalled from Double-A Biloxi on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Williams threw nine innings for the Brewers in August, posting a respectable 4.00 ERA but a poor 2.11 WHIP. He'll be a lower-leverage bullpen option down the stretch.
Aug 31 2019Williams was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio on Saturday.
Aug 8 2019Williams threw 1.2 innings in his big-league debut Wednesday and allowed two runs -- neither earned -- on three hits while posting a 3:1 K:BB.
Aug 5 2019Williams was recalled from Triple-A San Antonio on Monday, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.
Jun 8 2018Williams (elbow) threw 2.1 innings in a game with High-A Carolina on Thursday in his first appearance since 2016.Williams missed the entirety of the 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he has recovered from the procedure and is again ready for game action. Williams was once one of the Brewers' top pitching prospects, so he could get back on track to the big leagues if he finds success the rest of this year.
Jun 1 2018Williams (elbow) will make one more start at extended spring training before heading to High-A Carolina, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.Williams won't be utilized as a full-fledged starter upon his arrival, and will be limited to around three innings or 45 pitches per outing. The 23-year-old has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in March 2017, and will continue working to rebuild his arm strength with the Mudcats.