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Devin Williams has not played a single game this season for the Milwaukee Brewers. During spring training, the star closer sustained a back injury, and he is currently placed on the 60-day injured list.
The 29-year-old pitcher is arguably the best closer in baseball and had a phenomenal season last year. The Brewers have started the season 14-7 without him, and Joel Payamps, who has emerged as the team's designated closer in Williams' absence, has not given up a single run in his last six appearances.
How serious is Williams' back injury? Will he play again this season? Here's the latest update on the Brewers star.
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Devin Williams Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball
As per reports, Devin Williams suffered two stress fractures in his back, which he found out after struggling in spring training. He had disappointing outings in his two Cactus League appearances, giving up four runs in 1.1 innings. He later visited Dr. Robert Watkins, who diagnosed the issue.
Williams is expected to be out at least till the middle of July, as he was shut off from all pitching activities for six weeks in March. He is expected to begin his rehab program in May, which will take at least six more weeks before he is cleared to return to the mound.
As mentioned above, the Brewers are doing relatively well in their absence. As a result, Williams will not be rushed back from his injury, and a return before the end of July remains unlikely.
Devin Williams injury pic.twitter.com/wHFWnstVsA
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) March 14, 2024
Devin Williams Fantasy Baseball Outlook
Devin Williams had a stellar 2023 season in which he reportedly played through the back pain that might have led to this current injury. In 61 appearances last season, Williams had an 8-3 record with an ERA of 1.53, 87 strikeouts, and 36 saves.
Williams gave up just 26 hits and four home runs last season while averaging 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The Brewers offense currently has the second-best batting average in the league (.270) and has scored the eighth-most runs so far this year.
If their batters don't experience a slump, Williams will have the opportunity to return and record a significant number of saves. Based on how the season has gone so far, the Brewers have a great chance of winning the NL Central, and that rules out the chances of them trading their star closer. As a result, fantasy managers whose leagues still have Williams as a free agent could look to get him next month and keep him on the IL, as he is expected to have a strong return.
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