Pat Murphy Clarifies Devin Williams’ Absence in Brewers’ Extra-Innings Defeat…
Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy explained the unusual decision to not use closer Devin Williams during Sunday’s 11-10 extra-innings loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Brewers are currently in the middle of a challenging 13-game stretch, facing teams like the Diamondbacks and Phillies. Despite multiple opportunities, Williams didn’t enter the game, even though he warmed up in the bullpen several times.
Heading into the ninth inning with an 8-8 tie, Williams was preparing to pitch, as teams often use their closer in tie games to avoid dealing with extra innings’ “ghost runners.” However, Murphy opted to bring in Jared Koenig instead. Koenig threw a scoreless ninth inning, and Milwaukee took a 10-8 lead in the 10th after a triple by Jackson Chourio. Williams warmed up again, but Murphy stuck with Koenig, who then gave up three consecutive hits and a walk-off RBI after hitting a batter to tie the game.
When asked why Williams wasn’t used, Murphy explained post-game that the closer was available but only for a brief appearance, as Williams had pitched in three of the last five games and thrown 53 pitches over that stretch. Murphy’s reasoning reassured fans that Williams wasn’t injured, though many found it odd that he warmed up twice and threw bullpen pitches unnecessarily.
Williams himself acknowledged the decision, saying he would have pitched if the Brewers had taken the lead in the ninth. Despite looking frustrated, he said he understood the choices made regarding his usage.
