The New York Yankees bullpen is currently facing a setback, as Fernando Cruz is sidelined due to a shoulder injury and hasn’t played since Saturday. However, Luke Weaver is stepping up in a significant way, filling the void left by Cruz and stepping into the closer role previously held by Devin Williams, who struggled early on in his tenure in the Bronx.
In a recent game, Weaver showcased his skills by entering a pivotal moment in the top of the ninth inning of a tie game against the Texas Rangers. After Yerry de los Santos allowed a leadoff single, Weaver quickly proved his mettle by retiring Wyatt Langford and Josh Jung before securing the third out at second base against Sam Haggerty, who tried to steal the base. This performance set the stage for Jasson Domínguez to hit a game-winning home run, leading to a 4-3 victory for the Yankees.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the win as “good and gritty” despite the team being short in the bullpen. With Cruz out and Ian Hamilton struggling, the stability provided by Weaver is crucial. Jonathan Loáisiga is also on the mend but wasn’t at his best in the recent game, highlighting the need for consistent performances from the bullpen.
Weaver has been impressive, allowing only one run across 20 appearances, totaling 21 ²/₃ innings. Boone noted Weaver’s ability to command the ball effectively, citing his varied approach on different nights—whether through overpowering strikes or strategic use of his changeup.
During the game, the Yankees had to utilize five different relievers after starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough was limited to five innings. Weaver emerged as the key figure in this challenging situation, notching his sixth save of the season. His previous four saves last year marked the beginning of his career in that role, but he now appears comfortable and effective as the game nears its conclusion.
With Cruz’s absence, Weaver’s contributions are increasingly vital, particularly as Williams adapts to a setup role. The return of Loáisiga and strong performances from Mark Leiter Jr. and Tim Hill suggest that the Yankees’ bullpen could remain competitive moving forward, offering hope for fans during this challenging stretch for the team.