Aaron Boone's decision to pitch struggling Yankees reliever Devin Williams in the 10th inning of Friday's series opener against the Houston Astros backfired when the right-hander turned New York's 2-2 tie into a 5-2 deficit and eventual 5-3 loss, but the bullpen options were limited, the manager explained.
"We're kind of short down there at that point," Boone said after Williams (3-5, 5.73 ERA) allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits (one home run) in one inning — his latest implosion. "You get five innings out of the starter. You're trying to get back in it and get through and staying away from (David) Bednar today. So, then you're probably even lighter, staying away.
"So, then you're down to lefties and then it's that little right lane there for Devin. So, didn't work out tonight."
With Bednar unavailable after throwing 42 pitches in 1.2 IP of Wednesday's 3-2 win at the Texas Rangers, Bednar and fellow right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. were only available in case of emergency, Boone added.
"Obviously, right now, several struggles now in a row," Boone said of Williams, who has allowed nine runs (eight earned) on seven hits (three home runs) in 4.2 IP over his past five appearances. "So, we just try and find softer landing spots.
"Harder to do that right now when you have shorter outings by the starter. You're piecing it together and you've got a guy down. You don't always have that opportunity. So, we'll try and find good spots for him getting back to being a part of the 'pen, which he should be."
Where Williams will fit into the rest of the three-game set remains to be seen with the Yankees (61-55) losing five of their past six games and primed for more high-leverage situations against the Astros (65-51).
"Yeah, I mean, look — it's no fun," Boone said of Williams' struggles. "It's tough. But, again, he can hopefully lean on he's been there — he's been down that road before a little bit, too. He's been through some struggles and come out on the other side and found some real consistency for a couple of months. So, hopefully, he can draw on that as we move forward here."
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