For the Milwaukee Brewers to compete this year, the team’s bullpen must continue to perform at elite levels. Unfortunately, the outlook of the centerpiece of the perpetually solid group does not look good. Star closer Devin Williams will meet with a spine specialist on Wednesday to take a second look at his sore back. A sore back has limited Williams to just two appearances this spring, and an MRI did not reveal anything serious.
New manager Pat Murphy told reporters that Williams’ back has been bothering him all spring and that the team hopes the specialist will confirm there is no serious issue. Assuming the specialist confirms the MRI, Murphy said the team plans to give Williams rest in hopes that will heal the ailment.
Devin Williams To See Spine Specialist on Troublesome Back
After winning the National League Central in 2023, the Brewers might have taken a step back this winter due to key departures. The low-payroll squad has consistently contended recently thanks to strong pitching, especially in the bullpen. Over the past year and a half, Williams has been the anchor of the unit.
In his first full year as closer, the 29-year-old posted a 1.53 ERA in 58 2/3 innings with a great 37.7 percent strikeout rate. Williams ranked among the best in the league in multiple metrics. He gave up weak contact, missed bats, made hitters chase, and induced a ton of ground balls. Williams is one of the best relievers in the game because he does so many things well.
The Brewers enter 2024 with a weakened starting rotation. Part of the team’s contention plans sees a strong and deep bullpen covering for the rotation’s possible regression. If Williams misses an extended period of time, the bullpen becomes less deep and more unstable.
Additionally, if Milwaukee flounders this season, Williams will represent the team’s top trade chip at the deadline or next offseason. Any team that acquired him would gain elite production as he is set to make $7.25 million in 2024 and be under control through 2025. Williams would bring back a haul that the Brewers can supplement a core of young position players with.
Williams represents a key piece for Milwaukee’s success both in the present and future. If the back issues force Williams to miss time, the Brewers’ future outlook suddenly looks increasingly bleak.
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