The Milwaukee Brewers have suffered a devastating blow after their number-one reliever Deven Williams broke his pitching hand after punching a wall. Williams and the Brewers have the best late-game record in the MLB (70-4 when leading after seven innings).
On Sunday, Williams came on in the eighth inning to help in the 8-4 win against the New York Mets, an achievement that clinched them the National League Central division title. He was replaced by Josh Hader in the ninth.
That night Williams and teammates went out to celebrate the victory and their spot in the playoffs. Although team spirits were running high and excitement was in the air, the 27-year-old pitchers’ night ended in catastrophe.
After the team celebration, Williams hurt his hand when he punched a wall in frustration. When asked about the incident by a local reporter he stated, “I went out to have a few drinks and at my home, I was a little frustrated, upset, and I punched a wall. That’s how it happened.”
David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the Brewers, told reporters that he will need surgery on his hand. This will likely sideline Williams for the rest of the season — a preventable blow that jeopardizes their upcoming postseason play.
Williams is “pretty upset” with himself after realizing the consequences of his late-night antics. “There’s no one to blame but me,” he said. “I feel like I’ve let the team down, the coaching staff, the fans, everyone. I know how big a role that I play on this team and there’s lots of people counting on me.”
Regardless, the Brewers will have to move on and focus on the postseason and come to terms with relieving their starters without Williams. The first game of their playoff campaign will take place on Oct. 8 against an undetermined competitor.
