After a brief absence, Devin Williams has been reinstated from the paternity list, rejoining the Yankees’ bullpen just in time for the team’s upcoming games. Williams, one of the Yankees’ key offseason acquisitions, has already made an impact this season and is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s championship aspirations.

However, alongside Williams’ return, the Yankees made a difficult call regarding Adam Ottavino’s future with the team. “Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Reinstated RHP Devin Williams (#38) from the paternity list. Designated RHP Adam Ottavino for assignment.” Via Yankees on “X”

The veteran reliever, Adam Ottavino, who returned to New York for the 2025 season, struggled in his limited appearances, prompting the front office to make a change.

Yankees bolster bullpen, look for consistency

The decision to designate Ottavino for assignment reflects the Yankees’ commitment to maintaining a high-performing bullpen. Williams’ return provides a much-needed boost, especially with the Yankees dealing with injuries in their pitching staff. His ability to close out games and generate strikeouts makes him a crucial part of manager Aaron Boone’s late-game strategy.

What’s next for Yankees?

The Yankees’ front office remains focused on building a championship-caliber team, and these latest moves highlight their determination to make tough but necessary decisions. With Williams back in action and the bullpen adjusted, the team will look to maintain its momentum as the MLB season progresses.

The 39-year-old pitcher joins the Yankees after spending the 2024 season with the New York Mets, where he posted a 2-2 record with one save and a 4.34 ERA across 60 relief appearances. In 56.0 innings pitched, Ottavino allowed 49 hits, 29 runs (27 earned), and 23 walks while striking out 70 batters.

Ottavino initially signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox on February 18, 2025, but opted out of his contract on March 23, paving the way for his return to the Bronx.

The Yankees officially announced the move on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Signed RHP Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster.
• Transferred RHP JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list.
• Placed RHP Devin Williams on the paternity list.”

Ottavino: A proven track record

Over the course of his 14-year MLB career, Ottavino has played for the St. Louis Cardinals (2010), Colorado Rockies (2012-18), Yankees (2019-20), Red Sox (2021), and Mets (2022-24). Ottavino has been one of the most durable relievers in recent years. Since 2017, his 496 relief appearances rank third in MLB, behind only Andrew Chafin (500) and Héctor Neris (498).

Return to the Bronx

Ottavino is no stranger to the Yankees organization, having previously pitched for the team from 2019 to 2020. In his first stint in pinstripes, he recorded an 8-8 record with two saves, a 2.76 ERA, and 113 strikeouts over 97 relief appearances. He also made history as the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0.

Yankees: Roster moves and outlook

With Ottavino’s return, the Yankees add a veteran presence to their relief corps, providing manager Aaron Boone with another trusted late-inning option. As the team looks to strengthen its pitching staff for the grind of the 2025 MLB season, Ottavino’s experience and ability to perform in high-leverage situations could play a pivotal role in the Yankees’ postseason aspirations.

The Yankees were up 6-2 until the bottom of the sixth. Then, they were thrashed for 10 runs, including a Grand Slam, to lose 12-7 anddrop their 4th straight game and seventhof their past10.

Then again, regardless of how poorly you’re faring, it’s not that common to see a team get 10 runs in one inning. Even by the laws of averages, odds, you name it, chances are that a team will get three outs beforethat.

Adam Ottavino Insinuates The Blue Jays Could Be Stealing Signs

That’s why Yankees’ reliever Adam Ottavino – who was credited with the loss – hinted that the Blue Jays may have something on him. And while he was self-aware of his poor outing, he fueled a lot of controversies with his comments:

“It’s just bizarre. I mean, myself and Greenedidn’t get any swings-and-misses that whole inning–you know, we’re both wellabove average swing-and-a-miss pitchersso we kind of relya lot on that, not pitching for contactand strike guys out. So not getting swings-and-a-misses is an indication of either my stuff wasn’t good — my location wasn’tgood or that they had something on me, you know, they had a great approach or knew what was coming. Any of that. But I don’t have any of those answers right now. All I know is that I didn’t get it done and I gotta go back and look inside myself and figure out what to do next,” Ottavino said.

Obviously, Ottavino doesn’t have any proof to back down his statementand the truth is that the Yankees are far from a good team right now. But still, 10 runs in one inning will always raise an eyebrow or two.