YORKAThe struggling reliever was asked who has been supporting him during this terrible season as he sank to a new rock bottom in a Yankee uniform on Friday night.
“My family,” Williams remarked after a little pause. That’s where I am at the moment.
Williams will also have the greatest closer in history on his side on Saturday.
Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Famer, will talk to Williams on Saturday when he attends Yankee Stadium for Old-Timers Day.
Williams hasn’t been seen pitching much by Rivera. He acknowledged that this summer, he hasn’t been paying much attention to the Yankees. Given this, he may not be aware of how bad Williams’ performance has been out of the bullpen in pinstripes this season.
Nonetheless, he is still able to guide Williams.
Rivera would advise any closer going through a difficult time to concentrate on getting better, especially in this market where winning is expected. If you want to succeed, you must begin to forget about it, no matter how awful it gets.
During Saturday morning’s Old-Timers Day batting practice, Rivera stated, “There is nothing we can do about it.” When it’s finished, it’s finished. Be confident, go on, and learn from it. You must have self-confidence. You’re playing the wrong sport if you lack self-confidence.
Williams is now struggling with confidence.
After giving up three runs (two earned) in the top of the 10th inning of a crushing game against the Astros, the right-hander acknowledged on Friday night that his mental health isn’t the finest. For the fourth consecutive game, Williams has either failed to make a save or suffered a defeat. He had a comeback earlier this summer, but his ERA is now back up to 5.73 for the season.
The right-hander has never experienced anything like this before, especially because Williams was one of the best relievers in baseball during his time with the Brewers until the Yankees acquired him this past winter.
Williams stated Friday night, “I won’t say it’s as high as it’s ever been.” Not the way things have been going, of course. All I have to do is put together some strong ones and move things along.
Aaron Boone, the manager of the Yankees, thinks that talking to Rivera can teach all pitchers, not just Williams. However, it can be quite helpful for Williams to hear from the greatest person to have ever worked in his position and from someone who has experienced his own setbacks in pinstripes.
“I know guys, not just guys in the pen, but everyone appreciates the wisdom he provides,” Boone remarked whenever Mo was there. Mariano excelled at simply staying on the go. The performance from yesterday had no effect on him. Obviously, it was pretty great most of the time. But [he] also faced difficulties. After that, he was free to move on to the next one. He was an expert at it.
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