New York Yankees closer Devin Williams drew the ire of Yankees fans on Friday after his disastrous performance contributed to a 5-3 loss in the series opener against the Houston Astros.
Williams, who has struggled for his new team this season, was put on the mound by Yankees manager Aaron Boone in the 10th inning with the score tied at 2-2. He conceded three runs with a home run as the Astros took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 10th inning.
The All-Star closer’s implosion in extra innings infuriated Yankees fans.
“Get this clown off the team,” a frustrated fan wrote.
Get this clown off the team
How on earth do you give up a HR to Trammell? This is not a serious team
This is the worst player to ever put on the pinstripes, he is terrible
Several fans lashed out at Aaron Boone for putting Devin Williams on the mound with the game on the line.
This is just insane!!! How the f**k could Boone trust him?? Never seen a manager do this!! He blew 3 games this week alone!!
Boone’s ability to manage the club? Yeppp.
After the three runs (two earned) on Friday, Devin Williams is now 3-5 with a 5.73 ERA for the season. He has conceded eight runs in his last five outings in 4.2 IP
Yankees manager Aaron Boone explains his decision to put Devin Williams on the mound
While the Yankees fans blamed manager Aaron Boone for putting Devin Williams on the mound with the game tied at 2-2, the skipper said he had limited options.
“We’re kind of short down there at that point,” Boone said after the game. “You get five innings out of the starter. You’re trying to get back in it and get through and staying away from (David) Bednar today. So, then you’re probably even lighter. You’re down to lefties and then it’s that little right lane there for Devin. So, didn’t work out tonight.”
Boone reflected on the two-time NL Reliever of the Year’s performance with two games remaining in the series.
“Yeah, I mean, look — it’s no fun,” Boone said “It’s tough. But, again, he can hopefully lean on he’s been there — he’s been down that road before a little bit, too.
“He’s been through some struggles and come out on the other side and found some real consistency for a couple of months. So, hopefully, he can draw on that as we move forward here.”
The Yankees have now lost five of their last six games, sliding to third in the AL Wild Card standings.
