Massive upgrade to Brewers bullpen will be arriving in the next few days

When star Brewers closer Devin Williams went on the injured list before the 2024 season even began with a back injury, the hope was that the two-time All-Star would return to the team close to this year's MLB trade deadline. It would be one of the best trade deadline "acquisitions" a team could make.

The closer the Brewers got to the deadline, the more it looked like that timeframe for Williams' return would end up holding true. Still, setbacks can happen (just look at the ill-fated DL Hall's rehab experience) so Devin's rehab assignment was still being watched with cautious optimism.

Well now we are just a few days away from the trade deadline and Williams has made multiple rehab appearances just as planned. And if you were still wondering whether the Brewers' closer was going to return on time, it appears you won't have to wonder anymore.

Per a couple sources, including Devin Williams himself, the Brewers will get their massive bullpen upgrade in the next few days.

The first sign that Williams was soon to return came from Brewers general manager Matt Arnold. Per MLB.com writer Adam McCalvy, Arnold stated that Williams would be expected back in the next few days but that he had to get past one more rehab outing.

That outing took place last night with the Triple-A Nashville sounds. Pitching in the sixth inning, Williams faced four batters and gave up a hit while inducing three fly outs. That made it four scoreless innings in his overall rehab assignment.

If Arnold's words hold true then that's all the Brewers need to see to get Williams back on the roster in the coming days. Apparently it was all Williams needed to see as well as he left a very encouragng message to Brewers fans on Instagram.

The return of Williams will give the Brewers an incredible 1-2 punch at the back of the bullpen as he combines with Trevor Megill who has a 2.41 ERA and 20 saves filling in as closer. Add standouts like Bryan Hudson and Jared Koenig, among others, to that mix and life will be quite difficult for opposing teams as they reach the late innings of games against the Crew.

Most of the attention over the next few days will be around the exciting trades that are sure to come before the deadline. But don't think the Brewers won't be watching for a certain injury list move as well.