Although the Milwaukee Brewers are somewhat struggling, Devin Williams’ bullpen arm and change up are helping improving their chances in 2020.
Current Stats
Currently, the 25-year-old Missouri native has a 0.93 ERA through nine appearances.
.@DTrainn_23 through 9 outings this season has 20 strikeouts in just 9.2 innings while holding opponents to a .114 batting average (4-for-35, 1hr). Williams is tied for the National League lead in strikeouts among relievers and tied
for third in the Major Leagues. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/sTlgFPr9V5— Mike Vassallo (@MikeVassallo13) August 19, 2020
Through August 23rd, he has three holds, one earned run, five walks, a 1-1 record and 20 strike outs. Those are impressive numbers as Milwaukee approaches the halfway point of the 2020 season.
Quick Background
Williams was drafted in the second round and the overall 54th pick of the 2013 draft. He didn’t make his debut until August of last year, but a 2017 Tommy John surgery was part of that delay.
With his fastball noticeably a little faster, and his change up definitely slower, Williams is making some hitters look downright silly.
Williams even re-tweeted PitchingNinja, which featured on at-bat from August 11th. He threw two change ups, followed by a wicked fastball. You can say that in a Boston accent to make it more fun.
I finally made it!!! One of my goals this year was to make it on pitching ninja! Thanks for the love Rob! https://t.co/uEELa0zjua
— Devin Williams (@DTrainn_23) August 12, 2020
In August, Williams hasn’t given up an earned run, and is also averaging 2.22 strikeouts per appearance.
His advanced stats are great too. He’s getting a lot of ground balls, swinging strikes and throwing a lot of strikes overall.
No Williams in Pittsburgh
It makes you wonder why he didn’t make an appearance in the recent Pirates series, when the Brewers needed solid relief innings and Williams has been nothing but solid this season.
His last appearance was on August 18th, so one can assume he will get plenty of chances this next home stand.
With the second half of the season about to begin, relievers like Williams and David Phelps are contributing to Brewers wins.
What’s Not To Like
Williams is the type of player that is easy to root for. He has an interesting story and took a while to get to the big leagues. He has a positive and effective social media presence. His interviews are a delight to read and watch.
The best part about Williams right now? He is fun to watch. One of the best things in baseball is seeing a player completely miss a change up, and this year there has been plenty to see from Devin.
Seeing a young pitcher tweaking his stuff and making it work with success is thrilling. Watching the emotion coming from Williams makes the game fun. It should be fun. Because at the end of the day (instead J.D.’s voice from “Scrubs”), baseball is just a game.
And right now, Devin Williams is key to the Brewers’ success for winning those games.
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