Devin Williams Injury Update: Brewers hit by major setback as All-Star pitcher set to miss three months due to stress fractures

Milwaukee Brewers has been dealt a body blow on a day when the MLB witnessed a major trade deal for a star pitcher. Two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams will not be available for Brewers Opening Day as the star pitcher has been reportedly sidelined for three months.

ESPN's Jeff Passan was the first to break the dreaded news to Brewers fans, confirming that the former NL Rookie of the Year will miss considerable action due to two stress fractures.

"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."

The 2023 NL Reliever of the Year complained of back soreness last year and the same issue returned during spring training. Williams is expected to be shut down for six weeks following a diagnosis from specialist Dr. Robert Watkins on Wednesday.

While the injury to Williams will have the Brewers scrambling for bullpen options, the two-time Reliever of the Year is expected to make a full recovery in 12 weeks, for a midseason return.

"Devin Williams visited back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins today, and he diagnosed pars fractures on both sides of Williams’ T12 vertebra. Williams will be shut down for six weeks and rehab for another six, and Watkins expressed confidence that Williams would make a full recovery." - Jeff Passan

Devin Williams' injury could mean an extended role for Joel Payamps

The Brewers traded former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles earlier in February and Williams was also part of trade speculations during the offseason.

Although the star closer was not dealt by the team, he is likely to start the 2024 season on the 60-day injured list, exposing the team's pitching depth.

Joel Payamps is the most likely option for the Brewers as the team looks to plug the gap created by Devin Williams' injury crisis.