Injuries have been a story line for the Milwaukee Brewers this year. Unfortunately that misfortune has followed this team into the post all star break portion of the schedule. The team announced today that Devin Williams has been placed on the injured list with a pre-cautionary injury.
From David Stearns: “Devin reported some elbow soreness following the game yesterday. He felt it while warming up. We had a precautionary MRI done this morning which showed no structural damage. … We do not expect this to be a lengthy absence and are treating this with caution.”
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 17, 2021
The reining National League Rookie and Reliever of the Year has not found the same amount of success as 2020, but that was to be expected. In 2020, his ERA was a mind blowing 0.33. This year Williams has pitched six more innings than last and has a 2.97 ERA. This ERA has been lowering as of late after a slow start to the season.
Despite the slow start, Counsell stuck with Devin Williams as the 8th inning/high leverage guy. He was able to put together a streak of eight consecutive scoreless outings during a stretch in June and six scoreless outings prior to the all-star break.
Even with the scoreless inning streaks, it often felt like it was taking Williams near 30 pitches an inning. Increased pitch totals may have contributed to his elbow soreness, but the fact his injured list stint should be near the minimum 10 days is good news. The Brewers will need Devin Williams down the stretch as they make a push for the play-offs.
Expect pitchers such as Brad Boxburger, Jake Cousins, and maybe even Miguel Sanchez to see time in the 8th innings/high leverage role in William’s absence. Getting a quick look at a few of these guys in those situations may be one positive of this injured list stint.
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