Yankees bullpen decision draws heat

A late bullpen decision exposes gaps in New York's relief corps and may affect their wild-card push.

Yankees struggle as Williams falters in high leverage moment

In the 10th inning of a 2-2 game with the Houston Astros, Devin Williams gave up a first pitch fastball to the backstop, allowed the automatic runner to advance and Carlos Correa followed with an RBI single. Taylor Trammell then hit a two run homer, putting Houston ahead 5-2. The Yankees lost 5-3 and fell to a half game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians for the final wild-card spot. Boone kept Williams in a high leverage moment despite a thin bullpen.

Williams has allowed eight earned runs in his last 4 2/3 innings. The bullpen was short handed after recent workloads in Texas and Miami, leaving Boone with few clear options. The decision to use Williams in the 10th drew swift scrutiny as New York could not hold the lead. Tim Hill and Brent Headrick were the only available late inning arms, and the matchup of righties in that inning complicated Boone's call. The outcome increases the pressure on Williams and on the manager as the team fights for a postseason spot. Williams will be a free agent at season end, and the Yankees face a choice on how to deploy him going forward.

This moment highlights the risk managers face when relief depth is thin. Relying on a pitcher who is struggling in a high leverage setting can backfire and shake confidence in the dugout. The Yankees need a clearer plan for late innings that protects a fragile lead while the bullpen finds its footing.

The broader point is about depth and decision making. A strained bullpen and a tight race magnify every call. Cashman and Boone will be judged by how they rebuild the relief corps, whether by promoting internal arms, adding arms, or redefining roles to protect the core of the roster as the season enters its critical stretch.

Highlights

The bullpen story on this season is not finished and its outcome could shift the club’s path to the postseason.