Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers' top pitcher, will not be available for the playoffs because he broke his right-hander's pitching hand while punching a wall following Sunday's win that secured the National League Central division title.
David Stearns, president of baseball operations, told reporters that Williams would need surgery to place a plate in the hand. He also said that Williams' injury could keep him out of the game for the rest of the season.
Williams explained to local reporters that after the team celebration, he went out for a few drinks. At his home, he was frustrated and upset and punched a wall. It was that simple.
Williams was the NL Rookie-of-the Year last year and is currently 8-2 with a 2.50 ERA. He has also had 87 strikeouts over 54 innings. He's been a catalyst for the Brewers to have Josh Hader as their best late-game lineup in the majors. After seven innings, the Brewers lead 70-4.
"I am very upset with myself. Williams said that there is no one to blame except me. "I feel like I've let down the team, the coaches, the fans, and everyone else. I am aware of the importance of my role on this team, and I have a lot to count on.
Williams, who was sidelined by a calf injury on Tuesday, pitched a scoreless eighth innings in Sunday's Brewers victory over the Mets. He retired all three batters that he faced. After being unable to throw, Williams actually dressed up and suited up for Tuesday's game against Cardinals.
"He came in and told our medical staff. Stearns stated that he had been X-rayed yesterday during the game, and received the results yesterday. He then consulted with his doctors today to confirm that surgery was necessary.
For the fourth consecutive season, the Brewers are in postseason. In 2018, they lost in the NLCS to Dodgers. In 2019, they lost the wild-card match to Nationals. They were swept by the Dodgers in the first round last season.
The bullpen is very deep and ranks eighth in the majors for ERA. However, manager Craig Counsell will need to make adjustments going into the postseason. Counsell will try to get Hader more innings this season. Next up for set-up duties are veterans Brent Suter (3.04 ERA) or Brad Boxberger (3.41 ERA).
The Brewers have five excellent starters so lefty Eric Lauer (3.34 ERA) and righty Adrian Houser (3.93 ERA), could move into the bullpen. Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff, and Corbin Burnes will lead the rotation.
