Aaron Judge Sends 4-Word Message to Devin Williams After Brutal Start to Yankees Career

Devin Williams’ start in pinstripes hasn’t gone as planned, and Saturday’s meltdown against the Tampa Bay Rays was his toughest moment yet. But as the New York Yankees’ new closer faced the media after blowing a four-run lead in the ninth inning, he got a strong show of support from team captain Aaron Judge. The message was clear and confident.

Aaron Judge Backs Devin Williams After Yankees’ Meltdown vs. Rays

The Yankees took an 8-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth and handed the ball to Williams, the two-time Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year they brought in from the Milwaukee Brewers to replace Clay Holmes. But it unraveled fast.

A throwing error, a walk, and a string of hits — including a two-run single from Brandon Lowe — helped the Rays tie it. The Yankees ended up losing 10-8 in extra innings, snapping their five-game winning streak.

After the game was tied in the ninth, Jonathan Aranda launched a two-run walk-off homer in the 10th off Yoendrys Gómez to give Tampa Bay the win.

It’s been a rough first month in New York for Williams. He’s carrying a 9.00 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP through eight innings. He’s allowed runs in four of his nine appearances, walked seven, and opposing hitters are batting .333 against him. Even though he’s converted all four save chances, the inconsistency is raising eyebrows.

Still, Judge had his back. After the game, the reigning AL MVP addressed Williams’ struggles and made it clear the team hasn’t lost faith in their new closer, per the New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips on X.

“We went out and got him for a reason. He’s the best closer in the game. We got a long season. This guy’s gonna save a lot of ballgames for us and help us out. I’m not worried at all. He knows what he needs to do. He’ll go out there. He’ll figure it out. Everybody in this room, we want him coming out of the bullpen, especially in a tight game,” Judge said.

“That’s who we want on the mound. Nobody in here is worried. He’s gonna get the job done,” the 32-year-old added.

That kind of backing from Judge says a lot about the trust this clubhouse has in Williams — and the patience they’re showing as he works through it.

Judge went 3-for-5 on Saturday with three RBIs and a run scored. He’s now slashing an impressive .397/.505/.731. The Yankees will wrap up their four-game set with the Rays on Sunday.

Even with the loss, New York still holds a one-game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

The Yankees still believe Williams can settle in and become the reliable closer they expected when they made the deal. And right now, that public support from Judge might be just what he needs to bounce back.