Yankees to be without Devin Williams, re-sign former star after Red Sox release

How about a Tuesday morning reunion, Yankees fans?! The pitching staff could definitely use the help, especially after New York announced a couple of unexpected roster moves before the start of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Surprise, surprise! JT Brubaker's rib injury was worse than we all thought! Ever hear that one before? He's been transferred to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, closer Devin Williams was placed on the paternity list, so he'll be out of action for a few days.

To make up for the temporary loss in the bullpen, the Yankees re-signed former star reliever Adam Ottavino to an MLB contract, and he will join the team immediately.

Ottavino starred with the Yankees in 2019, but then fell off during the shortened 2020 campaign. Then, in an unexpected twist, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox before the start of the 2021 season. He was packaged with pitching prospect Frank German and $850K. It was purely a salary dump.

During spring training, Ottavino opted out of his contract with the Red Sox when he was informed he would not be making the Opening Day roster.

Yankees News: Devin Williams to paternity list, Adam Ottavino re-signs with NYY

In the meantime, expect Luke Weaver to serve as the team's closer. While Ottavino does offer some high-leverage help, he's definitely struggled a bit with walks and home runs over the last two seasons with the New York Mets.

Back in 2019, Ottavino logged a sterling 1.90 ERA with 88 strikeouts across 66 1/3 innings. He did struggled with walks (5.4 BB/9) but he only surrendered five home runs. It all unraveled rather quickly when he got shelled by the Houston Astros in the ALCS, though. He allowed three earned runs in 2 1/3 innings of work and was responsible for the pivotal Game 2 loss that turned the series upside down.

This time around, however, he won't be faced with such pressure. He just needs to provide some breathing room in the bullpen so the unit doesn't tire out too early in the season. He's fighting for a job, so the right-hander will be motivated to get back to the 2022 version of himself with the Mets when he logged a 2.06 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 65 2/3 innings.