Yankees reliever Luke Weaver will likely be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during warmups at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night. Manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that the injury is not too severe while Weaver was undergoing treatment before the team flew home.
This marks a significant setback for the Yankees, as Weaver has been impressive this season, boasting a 1.05 ERA with eight saves and 24 strikeouts over 25 2/3 innings. With Weaver out, it’s expected that Devin Williams will return to the closer role he lost in late April after a challenging start to the season. Williams has shown improvement, allowing no runs in 13 of his last 15 appearances. However, he did give up two runs in a recent save opportunity against the Angels.
Williams has regained his ability to strike out batters, achieving a 34.8 percent whiff rate, which places him in the 95th percentile among pitchers. Boone noted that Williams pitches with intensity, and his current rhythm could benefit him as he steps back into the closing role.
In a bit of good news for the bullpen, Fernando Cruz is expected to return from the injured list on Tuesday after dealing with shoulder inflammation, providing the Yankees with another reliable option. Additionally, Mark Leiter Jr. has been performing well, allowing Boone the flexibility to adjust his ninth-inning strategy based on matchup situations.
The Yankees are looking to navigate this challenge with some changes in their bullpen, which may provide an opportunity for Williams and others to step up and contribute to the team’s success moving forward. The resilience of the squad will be tested, but with returning players and adjustments, there’s potential for them to maintain a competitive edge during Weaver’s absence.