Devin Williams returns to Brewers bullpen after IL stint

MILWAUKEE — Sometimes a player learns something about himself during a long, slow, frustrating comeback from major injury. For Devin Williams, it was more a reminder than a lesson learned.

“I don’t like sitting on the bench. I don’t like being in the dugout,” said the Brewers’ All-Star closer. “It’s not for me.”

Good news then, because after missing the first four months of this season with stress fractures in his back, Williams, the reigning National League Reliever of the Year and two-time winner of that honor, was activated from the 60-day injured list on Sunday morning. He was in the bullpen for the Brewers’ series finale against the Marlins at American Family Field.

Williams’ return, along with Sunday’s arrival of Nick Mears, the right-hander acquired in a trade with the Rockies on Saturday, was most welcome for a Brewers bullpen that ranks third in the Majors with a 3.33 ERA, but has shown some wear lately as innings and appearances pile up.

“I think the hard part was just having to watch some of the games and not be able to have any effect at all,” Williams said. “I haven’t really had to do that since I’ve come up. But we got through it, and we’re here now. These guys picked up the weight, and they’ve done a great job of filling in. It’s been amazing to watch.”

He mentioned a couple of teammates by name, notably Trevor Megill, who went 20-for-22 in save opportunities with a 2.41 ERA while Williams rehabbed. And left-handers Bryan Hudson and Jared Koenig, who were, essentially, unknown in Spring Training, but have emerged as critical bullpen pieces for the Brewers.

Hudson and Koenig are also examples of what can happen when high-leverage appearances pile up. Koenig (2.20 ERA in 32 games going into Sunday) landed on the IL before the All-Star break with a tender forearm, but has since returned. Hudson (1.60 ERA in 35 games) landed on the IL on Saturday with a left oblique strain.

“It’s gratifying to be back to help carry the load,” Williams said. “I put in a lot of hard work up to this point over the past couple of months. To be in this position and back on the field, it feels great.”

Williams made four appearances of one inning apiece for Minor League affiliates with mostly dominant results, allowing one hit and no runs, with two walks and six strikeouts. He still has not pitched back-to-back days, so that will be another test to pass as the Brewers work him back into action.

“To be honest, I was more focused on how I felt than results, but both were really good,” Williams said of his rehab outings. “I felt good. My stuff was moving the way it’s supposed to. I was executing pitches. So it was all good.”

The Brewers were glad to have him back.

“He’s a big morale booster,” Hudson said. “He’s a guy everyone looks up to. He keeps us straight and focused.”