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Milwaukee Brewers Closer Devin Williams Diagnosed with Stress Fractures
Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams has been dealt a significant blow with the recent diagnosis of two stress fractures in his back. This unfortunate news comes at a critical time for the National League Central champions, who were counting on their strong bullpen to compensate for a lack of top-tier starting pitching.
At only 29 years old, Williams is a two-time NL Reliever of the Year with an impressive career ERA of 1.89. Following the trade of All-Star starter Corbin Burnes and the season-ending surgery for Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers were heavily reliant on their bullpen to secure victories under the leadership of first-year manager Pat Murphy.
Unfortunately, Williams is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months as he focuses on recovery. Dr. Robert Watkins, a back specialist, confirmed stress fractures on both the left and right sides of Williams’ T12 vertebra. Despite the absence of the need for surgical intervention, Williams is facing a minimum six-week break from throwing, followed by a gradual rehabilitation process.
Williams initially experienced back problems in September but pushed through the discomfort during the playoff race. Following the team’s elimination in the wild-card series, he took a break from competition before starting his offseason training. Although he showed no signs of back issues at the beginning of spring training, the problem resurfaced during a bullpen session, prompting further evaluation.
Impact and Recovery Plan
While the Brewers do possess a talented pool of relievers, including notable names such as Abner Uribe, Joel Payamps, Trevor Megill, Bryse Wilson, Elvis Peguero, and Hoby Milner, Williams remains a standout performer in the league. With a stellar track record that includes winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and two All-Star selections, Williams’ absence will be keenly felt by the team.
His unique Airbender changeup pitch is widely recognized as one of the most effective in Major League Baseball. Despite being the subject of trade talks in the offseason, Williams is set to earn $7 million this season and is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The Brewers and their fans eagerly await his return to full health, as his presence on the mound is sure to bolster the team’s performance.
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