The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the National League Central Division title on Sunday but lost reliable relief pitcher Devin Williams for the playoffs in the process.
Williams admitted to reporters on Wednesday that he requires surgery to repair a fractured right hand he suffered Sunday after he apparently had too much to drink and punched a wall. The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year likely won't pitch again until 2022.
Devin Williams just told reporters he punched a wall following the clinch celebration Sunday after having a few drinks and fractured his right hand. The injury will require surgery and will likely end his season.
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) September 29, 2021
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.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) September 29, 2021
“If I could take it back, I would.”
During his comments, Williams took full responsibility for the incident.
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
According to Adam McCalvy of the MLB website, Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns confirmed Williams, 27, was not involved in an altercation related to the injury. Williams ends the season with a record of 8-2, a 2.50 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 87 strikeouts across 54 innings of work.
The Brewers, meanwhile, are on track to face either the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Division Series.
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