Devin Williams's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams (back) is still hoping to return around the All-Star break in July, according to general manager Matt Arnold. Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back in the middle of March and was estimated to be out for around three months, which would put him back in the middle of the summer, barring any setbacks once he begins ramping up his arm. The 29-year-old All-Star closer has a long ways to go before returning as Milwaukee's closer, but he should be stashed in an injured list spot in all fantasy leagues until then. Abner Uribe has opened the year as the Brewers' preferred closer with Williams out and has allowed three earned runs in his first five innings of 2024 with three walks and five strikeouts while picking up three saves.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams (back) is expected to miss around three months due to stress fractures in his back. General manager Matt Arnold said he would leave the decision up to manager Pat Murphy and his staff as to who will be the team's closer while Williams is sidelined. Abner Uribe, as well as Joel Payamps and Trevor Megill, seem to be the most obvious replacements for save chances, though none of the trio has had much big-league closing experience. Murphy said he has no intentions of naming one defined closer unless one naturally emerges during the season. While Uribe has the most natural stuff to be a closer, Payamps should also be in the mix, and this could end up being a total committee approach. Payamps feels like the best speculation for fantasy managers scrounging for saves late in deep-mixed drafts.

Milwaukee Brewers star closer Devin Williams (back) has two stress fractures in his back and is expected to miss around three months, according to sources. Williams pitched through back soreness last September, but it returned this spring. He will rehab and is expected to return by midseason. The top fantasy closer will now miss at least half the season, which will obviously cause his stock to drop considerably for those who have yet to draft for the 2024 season. The 29-year-old right-hander saved 36 games for the Brew Crew in 40 chances last year while also posting an elite 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 87 strikeouts and 28 walks in 58 2/3 innings pitched. It's a massive blow to the back end of Milwaukee's bullpen before the start of the season. Trevor Megill, Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe could all be options for saves in Milwaukee with Williams hurt.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Devin Williams is headed for a second opinion on his ailing back. The club's closer will see a spine specialist this week but the club isn't overly concerned about the issue as they are being cautious with the issue. The 29-year-old took over full-time closing duties in the 2023 season, working to an eye-popping 1.53 ERA alongside a 25.5% K-BB% across 58 2/3 frames a season ago. The righty had previously served as the Brewers' setup man for Josh Hader before the latter was dealt to the San Diego Padres prior to the trade deadline in the 2022 season. He recorded 36 saves last season for the division-winning Brewers and is a high-end closer ahead of the 2024 campaign. If healthy, he is worth an investment at his 47.59 ADP as one of the better strikeout artists at the closer position while Joel Payamps or Trevor Megill should be in line for save opportunities if Williams misses some time to begin the season.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams got rocked in a relief appearance against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The All-Star closer entered in the bottom of the fourth inning and only lasted 1/3 of an inning. In his outing, he gave up two hits, four runs, two walks and one strikeout. It was just his second outing in the Cactus League this spring, following a scoreless inning in his first game. There isn't too much to read into with this outing as it can be chalked up as an off game. Nonetheless, Williams remains one of the top closers in the game and managers shouldn't hesitate to make him one of the first relievers off the boards in upcoming drafts.