Joe Maddon shared an almost patronizing way for the New York Yankees to handle struggling closer Devin Williams.
Joe Maddon shares grim reality check on how Yankees should handle Brian Cashman's failing roster decision originally appeared on The Sporting News
The New York Yankees are currently clinging to the final wild card spot in the American League, but if the club has any chance to make the postseason, it needs better production at the end of its bullpen.
Closer Devin Williams was in the midst of a streaky campaign but has entered a downward spiral over the last five weeks.
Since the start of July, he has had an ERA north of seven. Williams has tacked on three losses during that stretch and is down to a -0.6 WAR.
Even with the likes of David Bednar and Camilo Doval coming over at the deadline, when Williams is right, he's one of the most electrifying relief pitchers in the game.
But how long can the Yankees let their 30-year-old star work through his struggles in the heat of a playoff push?
During a recent appearance on MLB Network, legendary manager Joe Maddon gave insight into how he would handle Williams moving forward:
Limit him until September, barring a complete U-turn in production.
"There's something off with his arm slot and changeup—everything is coming off flat," Maddon said. "Get him out of that role and get him something more comfortable. I wouldn't put him in a better role until September unless he does something really good the rest of this month."
Maddon was suggesting New York should only toss out Williams in games that are already decided in an attempt to work through his struggles and get that confidence restored for the tail end of the season.
The Yankees have enough depth to patch together if Williams can't regain his form, but the upside he provides is too tantalizing to give up on while they are trying to defend their AL pennant.
Category: Baseball
