Set-up Man Devin Williams Out For The Brewers’ Postseason Run

By Jordan Long

The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched a playoff spot for the 4th straight year.  They will most likely face the Atlanta Braves whose magic number is 1 to clinch the National League East Division.  When the Brewers start the postseason, they will be without reliever and set-up man Devin Williams.

                Williams is counted on in the 7th and 8th innings to shut down the opponents and try to keep the lead.  If he can in a tight game, Williams gives way to Josh Hader to close the door.  Williams is 8-2 this season .  His ERA is 2.50 in 54 innings pitched.  Williams has also struck out 87 batters, walking 28 batters but even when he walks a player, Williams is able to get out of the inning without giving up a run. The Brewers have an impressive record of 70-4 this year when they have the lead after 7 innings.

                When the Brewers clinched the division on Sunday, Williams went out celebrating by himself.  He had a little too much to drink.  When he came home, he got mad at something and punched the wall to get his frustration out.  By doing that, he broke his right hand which is his pitching hand.   Williams is now out for the postseason no matter how long it lasts for the Brewers.

                According to ESPN.com Williams said, “I’m pretty upset with myself. There’s no one to blame but me. I feel like I’ve let the team down, the coaching staff, the fans, everyone. I know how big a role that I play on this team and there’s a lot of people counting on me.”

                This is a big loss for the Brewers.  Williams knows his actions have consequences.  He shouldn’t have drunk to the point where he punched a wall.  It was not a smart move and could be one of the dumbest injuries in MLB this year.  Not only did he hurt himself, but the team as well.

Williams was a large part of the bullpen which ranks 8^th in MLB with an ERA of 3.84.  The Brewers have depth in the bullpen but it is difficult to replace Williams.  The Brewers are hopeful for a long postseason run that ends in their first ever World Series championship.  It is possible that if they blow games in the late innings and fail to win the World Series, they can look back at Williams’ injury as the turning point.