'Big morale booster' Williams returns to help 'pen in crucial period

MILWAUKEE -- Sometimes a player learns something about himself during a long, slow, frustrating comeback from major injury. For Devin Williams, it was more a reminder than a lesson learned.

“I don’t like sitting on the bench. I don’t like being in the dugout,” said the Brewers’ All-Star closer. “It’s not for me.”

Good news then, because after missing the first four months of this season with stress fractures in his back, Williams, the reigning National League Reliever of the Year and two-time winner of that honor, was activated from the 60-day injured list on Sunday morning.

Even better news for the Brewers: They handed Williams a four-run lead for his season debut in the ninth inning of a 6-2 win over the Marlins at American Family Field.

Jake Bauers hit a go-ahead home run in the first inning and Brice Turang made not one but two diving, run-saving catches on back-to-back hitters in the third before Williams threw 24 pitches and struck out a pair in a scoreless ninth -- topping out at 97.8 mph and working around an Xavier Edwards’ two-out infield single that completed the cycle for the Miami shortstop.

By avoiding getting swept, Milwaukee became the third National League team to reach the 60-win plateau.

“What a great experience to have Devin. I thought it was a perfect landing for him,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Throwing [24] pitches, giving up a couple of baserunners. He’ll tell you he wasn’t completely sharp or anything like that, but to get back out there, I felt great about it. I hope everybody sensed that it’s a great thing.”

Williams’ return, along with Sunday’s arrival of Nick Mears, the right-hander acquired in a trade with the Rockies on Saturday, was most welcome for a Brewers bullpen that ranks third in the Majors with a 3.33 ERA, but has shown some wear lately as innings and appearances pile up.

“I think the hard part was just having to watch some of the games and not be able to have any effect at all,” Williams said. “I haven't really had to do that since I've come up. But we got through it, and we're here now. These guys picked up the weight, and they've done a great job of filling in. It's been amazing to watch.”

He mentioned a couple of teammates by name, notably Trevor Megill, who went 20-for-22 in save opportunities with a 2.41 ERA while Williams rehabbed. And left-handers Bryan Hudson and Jared Koenig, who were, essentially, unknown in Spring Training, but have emerged as critical bullpen pieces for the Brewers.

Hudson and Koenig are also examples of what can happen when high-leverage appearances pile up. Koenig (2.20 ERA in 32 games going into Sunday) landed on the IL before the All-Star break with a tender forearm, but has since returned. Hudson (1.60 ERA in 35 games) landed on the IL on Saturday with a left oblique strain.

“It's gratifying to be back to help carry the load," Williams said. “I put in a lot of hard work up to this point over the past couple of months. To be in this position and back on the field, it feels great.”

Williams made four appearances of one inning apiece for Minor League affiliates with mostly dominant results, allowing one hit and no runs, with two walks and six strikeouts. He still has not pitched back-to-back days, so that will be another test to pass as the Brewers work him back into action.

But judging by Sunday’s radar gun readings, he was ready. Williams had not thrown a pitch as hard as 97.8 mph since a 98.5 mph fastball on April 18, 2021. In 2022, his hardest pitch was 96.8 mph. Same for 2023.

“I don’t know exactly what it is. Maybe all the core work or all the shoulder work that I did over the past couple of months,” Williams said. “To be honest with you, I don’t feel like even trying that hard, and it’s just coming out right now.”

He would have had a 1-2-3 inning had Edwards not beat out an infield bouncer for a two-out hit. Williams then walked Bryan De La Cruz, but got Josh Bell to ground out to end the game.

Williams would have also pitched if Sunday presented a save situation, Murphy said, removing doubt -- if there was any -- that Williams is Milwaukee’s closer.

“Today was the first time I’ve really got a chance to go through my usual routine. I was throwing that sixth inning down in Nashville,’ Williams said. “It was kind of still an adjustment period, but it’s like riding a bike. I’ve done it a million times. Got right back on there.”

The Brewers were glad to have him back.

“He’s a big morale booster,” Hudson said. “He’s a guy everyone looks up to. He keeps us straight and focused.”