Yankees' Boone Supports Struggling Closer Williams Amid 10.03 ERA

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone continues to defend Devin Williams despite the pitcher's ongoing struggles since joining the team, which have included a recent blown lead against the San Diego Padres and a spike in his ERA to 10.03. Boone maintains that Williams remains an elite talent and believes the pitcher is close to regaining his dominant form, attributing much of the issue to command and control rather than diminished pitching ability. Williams, who was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers and expected to anchor the Yankees bullpen, has lost his closer role to Luke Weaver after a series of rough outings, yet Boone has not ruled out his return to closing games. Statistically, Williams is experiencing career-worst numbers in walks, strikeouts, and WHIP, and his fastball velocity has dipped compared to last season. Williams himself remains confident, citing challenging mound conditions but acknowledging the need for improvement. Boone and the Yankees are relying on their deep bullpen while Williams works through these challenges, with the manager emphasizing patience and confidence in Williams' eventual turnaround.