Yankees Suffer Crushing Loss Despite Rodon’s Stellar Performance: What Went Wrong?

The New York Yankees fell to a disappointing defeat in a game that seemed within their grasp, dropping their record to 19-16. Despite a phenomenal outing from starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, the Yankees couldn’t hold onto a 3-0 lead, with the bullpen, particularly Devin Williams, faltering in critical moments. Here’s a breakdown of the game, key performances, and what this loss means for the Yankees moving forward.

Carlos Rodon Shines Bright

Carlos Rodon was the undeniable star for the Yankees, delivering a masterful performance. He pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just three hits, one walk, and striking out five. With a season ERA of 2.96, Rodon has solidified himself as one of the Yankees’ aces alongside Max Fried. His transformation from a struggling pitcher to a reliable starter is remarkable.

Rodon’s development of a sinker, which has contributed to a near-50% ground ball rate, and his expanded pitch arsenal—fastball, slider, changeup, sinker, and curveball—have made him a force on the mound. Fans and analysts alike are praising his resilience and growth, especially after a challenging first year with the team.

Bullpen Woes: Devin Williams’ Struggles Continue

The game took a devastating turn in the eighth inning when reliever Devin Williams entered with a 3-0 lead. Williams, acquired in a trade with the Brewers, imploded once again. In just 0.2 innings, he allowed one hit, three earned runs, and two walks, ballooning his ERA to an astonishing 10.03. His inability to command the strike zone, particularly with walks, proved costly.

Fans expressed frustration, with some questioning whether Williams can handle the pressure of pitching in New York.

Luke Weaver, who followed Williams, also struggled, surrendering two hits and an unearned run in 0.1 innings. Despite Weaver’s now solid 0.59 ERA for the season, this outing was a rare misstep. The bullpen’s collapse erased Rodon’s brilliant effort and left fans wondering why manager Aaron Boone didn’t turn to more reliable options like Fernando Cruz (1.42 ERA) or Tim Hill (2.60 ERA).

Offensive Struggles: Minimal Support

The Yankees’ offense provided little support beyond Trent Grisham’s two-run home run. Ben Rice contributed a double, and Austin Wells added a base hit, but key players like Anthony Volpe (0-for-3) and Aaron Judge (0-for-3 with a walk) failed to deliver. The team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, combined with the bullpen’s meltdown, sealed their fate. Both teams played in challenging weather conditions, so excuses about the elements don’t hold up—Rodon’s dominance in the same conditions proves that.

Aaron Boone’s Questionable Decisions

Manager Aaron Boone faced heavy scrutiny for his handling of the bullpen. Fans and analysts questioned why he didn’t stick with Fernando Cruz, who had thrown just two pitches to close the seventh inning. Boone’s reasoning—that Cruz had pitched two innings two days prior—drew skepticism, especially given Cruz’s stellar 1.42 ERA and physical durability.

Boone’s decision to bring in Williams, despite his ongoing struggles, baffled many. In the post-game press conference, Boone acknowledged Williams’ command issues but expressed optimism about his potential to turn things around. However, with Williams’ ERA at 10.03 and mounting fan frustration, Boone’s loyalty to the struggling reliever is raising questions about his bullpen management.

Aaron Boone discusses tonight’s against the Padres with @JustinShackil and the rest of the media. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/LHkrhQ7Rxk

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 6, 2025

What’s Next for Devin Williams?

Williams’ struggles have reached a critical point. His 10.03 ERA is among the worst in baseball, and his confidence appears shaken. Fans are calling for a demotion to lower-leverage situations, with some suggesting he pitch in the fifth or sixth innings until he regains his form. Others believe the Yankees should consider trading him, though his current value is likely low.

Boone’s comments about Williams’ “stuff” being fine but his command lacking suggest the team still sees potential, but patience is wearing thin. With reliable options like Cruz, Hill, and Ian Hamilton (1.74 ERA) in the bullpen, the Yankees may need to reshuffle their late-inning roles to avoid further collapses.

Looking Ahead: Can the Yankees Bounce Back?

This loss stings, but the Yankees remain a competitive 19-16. Rodon’s emergence as a true ace, paired with Fried’s excellence, gives the team a strong foundation. However, the bullpen’s inconsistency and offensive struggles must be addressed. Fans are growing restless, with some calling for Boone’s job and others demanding further roster tweaks. The Yankees’ next game offers a chance to regroup, but they can’t afford to let winnable games slip away.

Final Thoughts

The Yankees’ loss was a gut punch, defined by a brilliant start from Carlos Rodon, a catastrophic bullpen meltdown, and questionable managerial decisions. Devin Williams’ struggles are a glaring issue, and Aaron Boone’s handling of the bullpen has intensified scrutiny. As the season progresses, the Yankees must find a way to maximize their strengths—starting pitching and key offensive contributors—while addressing their weaknesses in the bullpen and lineup.