You *know* this has happened before. Probably many times. Similar stories, at least.
But rarely does a player own up to precisely what happened in the way Milwaukee Brewers reliever Devin Williams just did. I’m almost speechless:
Devin Williams is being placed on the 10-day IL with a fractured right hand. He told us he had too much to drink after Sunday’s celebration, got upset about something and punched a wall with his pitching hand. He will need surgery.
“If I could take it back, I would.”
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) September 29, 2021
Huge blow to the Brewers: Devin Williams fractured his pitch hand after punching a wall, he told media today. He’s out the rest of the year. If the Brewers make the World Series, there’s a chance he could be back for it, David Stearns said.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) September 29, 2021
Players get drunk at their clinching celebrations. That’s standard. Players get ticked about things. Also standard. But to get drunk at the celebration, get pissed about something (not during a game, mind you), and then punch the wall with your pitching hand so hard that it breaks. Holy lord that’s bad. Again, respect to Williams for admitting to the whole thing, but still. It’s so bad!
As for the implications here, obviously it’s a huge blow to the Brewers’ postseason chances, where dominant relievers like Williams are all the more critical. The slightly better news for the Brewers is that, if Williams could potentially be back in time for the World Series, he’ll definitely be back in time for a normal Spring Training. And if the timeline is that quick, it suggests it must not have been a deeply extensive injury/procedure.
Williams, 27, will finish the season with a 2.50 ERA and 2.81 FIP over 54.0 innings.
Devin Williams: “I’m pretty upset with myself. There’s no one to blame but me. I feel like I’ve let my team down, our coaching staff, our fans, everyone. I know how important of a role I play on this team and a lot of people count on me.” pic.twitter.com/kOjzJvEUhh
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) September 29, 2021