Call to the pen
Fansided

Milwaukee Brewers: Devin Williams having resurgent second half

By David Hill

Aug 21, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) deliver a pitch against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) deliver a pitch against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Devin Williams was a breakout star in 2020. Armed with a devastating changeup that acted like a screwball and was called ‘The Airbender,’ he was a dominant force in the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen. Although he worked as a setup man and did not notch a save, he was named the NL Rookie of the Year and earned votes for both the Cy Young and MVP awards.

It appeared as though the mystery of Williams’ Airbender had been solved at the beginning of the season. He struggled as Major League Baseball announced that it would begin cracking down on pitchers doctoring the baseball, leading to the belief that his dominance was due to the usage of that sticky stuff.

Devin Williams finding his form when Milwaukee Brewers need it most

But that thought is starting to change. As other pitchers have struggled with the crackdown being strictly enforced, and the spot checks of gloves and hats, Williams has begun to excel once again. He has allowed just one unearned run over his 19 innings since the beginning of July, allowing ten hits and four walks while striking out 28 batters.

More Brewers. Axford's return does not go as planned. light

Williams’ resurgence, paired with a dominant run by Josh Hader and the surprisingly effective Brad Boxberger, the back of the Brewers’ bullpen is ready to dominate once again. When added to a dominant trio atop the rotation, the Brewers appear to be built for a deep run in the postseason.

But this will come down to whether or not the bullpen can sustain their level of excellence throughout the remainder of 2021. Hader is seemingly a given, as he has dominated throughout his time in the majors. The question is whether or not the rest of the bullpen can sustain that production as well.

Williams will be the key to that success. If he can continue this dominant run, and be the pitcher that he had been in 2020, the Brewers may be able to contend for the NL pennant. His dominance in the second half is certainly a great sign.

Next. Brewers' billboard misses the mark. dark

Devin Williams has found his way once again for the Milwaukee Brewers. His performance could make a major difference in the postseason.

Home/Milwaukee Brewers