The New York Yankees bounced back in commanding fashion on Tuesday night, securing a 12-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. The win included an explosive 10-run seventh inning—their most in a single frame since 2015—highlighted by Austin Wells hitting his first career grand slam.
The triumph ended a three-game losing streak and placed the Yankees at a 20-16 record, keeping them at the top of the American League East. With their impressive power-hitting, ranking first in baseball for home runs and OPS, the Yankees seem poised for a strong season.
However, despite the team’s offensive prowess, one of the lingering concerns has been the performance of closer Devin Williams. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason,Williamshas struggled to find his rhythm, posting a 10.03 ERA.
His inability to close games effectively has cost the Yankees crucial wins, most notably during a 4-3 loss to the Padres on Monday when the team squandered a 3-0 lead. Williams’ struggles have left a mark on the Yankees’ overall performance, keeping them from a more dominant position despite their impressive offensive output.
Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts as he is taken out of the game during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Yankee Stadium on May 05, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Padres won 4-3. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Boone’s verdict
Before the Yankees’ dominant victory over the Padres, manager Aaron Boone continued to express his support for the struggling closer, though his words carried a sense of urgency.
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“I still maintain that this is not a pitcher we’re trying to reinvent or a guy who’s past his prime,” Boone said according to The Post. “I feel like it’s very close. It’s about controlling counts a little better, and once he does that, he’ll ascend quickly.” Boone’s faith in Williams hasn’t wavered, but the Yankees’ manager knows that the 28-year-old pitcher must regain control of his command in order to thrive in the high-pressure environment of New York.
A Hopeful Future, but Time Running Out
The Yankees signed Williams with the expectation that he would fill the closer role, with Luke Weaver serving as the setup man. Weaver had proven himself in 2024 as a reliable late-inning pitcher after Clay Holmes was demoted following a rough stretch.
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While Boone and the Yankees remain hopeful that Williams can regain his form, there is only so much they can do to help him regain his confidence. The clock is ticking for the struggling closer, and the pressure to perform in Yankees mounting.
