Image credit: ClutchPoints

Carlos Rodon’s ‘swagger’ message to Devin Williams after blowing his Yankees win

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Benjamin Adducchio | Last updated May 6, 2025 10:18 AM ET

New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon is standing by his teammate, Devin Williams. Williams blew a win for Rodon on Monday, in a game against the San Diego Padres. It wasn’t the first time this season that Williams imploded on the mound.

“I’ve been through it,” Rodon said, per ESPN. “I know what that feels like. It’s not easy. But we acquired him for a reason. He’s such a great pitcher. Just needs to build that confidence and he needs to know what kind of pitcher he is. He’s so good. He’s tremendous. We got him for a reason and it’s an unbelievable changeup. Just go out there and pitch with some swagger.”

The Padres scored four runs in the eighth inning of a game they won, 4-3, on Monday. New York wasted a tremendous effort from Rodon, who threw six plus scoreless innings.

Williams officially allowed three earned runs in his short appearance against the Padres. He also walked two batters in yet another nightmarish stint.

Something seems wrong with the Yankees

New York Yankees relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (56) walks off the mound in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Bronx Bombers are absolutely reeling right now. New York has lost six of their last 10 games, and several were games where they couldn’t protect leads. This just doesn’t look like a team who made the World Series last year.

Williams has been a major part of the struggles. He was demoted as closer for the Yankees, after he blew save opportunity after save opportunity. He seemed to find his groove again after the demotion, until Monday’s lousy performance.

Williams says pitching in the rain on Monday affected him.

“Both walks were obviously not what you’re trying to do, but I was kind of battling myself there with the landing spot,” Williams said. “Tough to control the fastball today.”

Williams now has a 10.03 ERA after 14 game appearances this season. He was acquired by the club this offseason, after pitching several years for the Milwaukee Brewers. Yankees manager Aaron Boone sees a silver lining, despite the frustration.

“The biggest thing, again, is just command and being ahead and not putting guys on,” Boone said. “Stuff’s there. Stuff’s fine and I do believe he’ll get on a roll and be lights out and dominant. But the command part of it, where the walks or getting behind in certain situations, have hurt him a little bit.”

The Yankees and Padres play again on Tuesday. Following the loss, the Bronx Bombers are 19-16 on the campaign.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: