April 27, 2025 | Bronx, NY — As the New York Yankees prepare for a crucial doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, one question looms large: who will handle the ninth inning?
The Yankees’ bullpen situation took a serious hit Friday night when struggling closer Devin Williams suffered another setback. Williams, acquired from Milwaukee in a high-profile offseason trade, was unable to record an out against Toronto, surrendering a two-run double to Alejandro Kirk and watching New York’s lead evaporate in an eventual 4-2 loss.
Williams’ blown save — his first of the season — came after a string of rough outings that have ballooned his ERA to a staggering 11.25 across his first 10 appearances. Manager Aaron Boone, speaking after the game, acknowledged the need to “talk through” the closer situation, hinting that a change could be on the horizon.
“We want to do everything we can to get Devin right,” Boone said. “We know how good he is and how important he’ll be for us down the stretch.”
For now, veteran right-hander Luke Weaver appears to be the next man up. Weaver closed games for the Yankees late last season and could slide back into the role temporarily as Williams tries to find his footing.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, fresh off snapping a five-game losing streak, hope to avoid giving the Yankees any save opportunities during Sunday’s doubleheader. The two teams were originally scheduled to play Saturday, but heavy rain forced a postponement.
Doubleheader Matchups:
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Game 1: New York sends ace Max Fried (4-0, 1.42 ERA) to the mound against Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.16 ERA).
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Game 2: Clarke Schmidt (0-1, 7.45 ERA) will start for the Yankees, facing off with Chris Bassitt (2-1, 1.88 ERA).
Fried has been lights out lately, posting a 1.00 ERA over his last four starts and coming off a dominant 7 2/3 scoreless innings performance against Tampa Bay. He’ll be tasked with keeping the Yankees afloat while their bullpen situation sorts itself out.
Toronto, on the other hand, will look to continue riding the momentum from Friday’s dramatic ninth-inning rally, powered by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s home run and Kirk’s clutch double.
With the Yankees searching for stability in the ninth and the Blue Jays eager to capitalize, the bullpen could end up being the biggest storyline in a key AL East clash.
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