"A Guy They Could NOT Afford To Lose": Brewers Dealt Brutal Injury News

The Milwaukee Brewers face a substantial setback as their star closer, Devin Williams, is poised to miss a significant portion of the upcoming MLB season.

Reports confirmed by ESPN's Jeff Passan indicate that Williams will be sidelined for approximately three months due to two stress fractures in his back, dealing a blow to the team's pitching arsenal.

This news comes just two weeks before the start of the season, leaving the Brewers with limited time to adjust their bullpen strategy.

Milwaukee Brewers star closer Devin Williams has two stress fractures in his back and is expected to miss around three months, sources tell ESPN. Williams pitched through back soreness in September, but it returned earlier this spring. He'll rehab and should return by midseason.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 14, 2024

Williams, known for his dominant performances on the mound and the reigning NL Reliever of the Year, has been a linchpin in the Brewers' bullpen for the past five seasons.

With a career ERA of 1.89 and consecutive seasons boasting a sub-2.00 ERA, his absence creates a substantial void in the team's pitching rotation.

"This is a guy I felt like the Brewers couldn't lose."@adnansvirk & @TheMayorsOffice weigh in on the back injury that will reportedly keep reliever Devin Williams sidelined for three months. pic.twitter.com/HamWnYHqkH

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 14, 2024

Despite the Brewers' optimism about Williams' eventual return, his extended absence raises concerns about the depth of their bullpen and the team's competitiveness in the first half of the season.

As the Brewers navigate through Williams' absence, they face the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement to anchor their bullpen.

While potential candidates like Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe, or Trevor Megill could step up, none are expected to fully replicate Williams' consistent performance. Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports