Yankees’ Luke Weaver Set for Injured List: What This Means for the Team

The Yankees are likely to place closer Luke Weaver on the 15-day injured list after he hurt his hamstring while warming up during Sunday’s game, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The exact timeline for his recovery is still unclear, but it’s expected to be around four to six weeks.

Since joining the Yankees, Weaver has impressed. Last year, he had a 2.89 ERA and threw 84 innings as a reliever, ranking third in MLB. He struck out over 31% of batters he faced and took on the closing role in September, saving four postseason games without allowing many runs.

This season, a trade for Devin Williams initially pushed Weaver into a setup position. Yet, after some struggles, Williams was moved back from the ninth inning at the end of April. Weaver returned to closing duties and has converted 8 out of 9 save opportunities. He’s maintained his effectiveness, allowing only three runs over 25.2 innings despite a slight dip in strikeout rate.

With Weaver out, the Yankees need to decide who will take over closing responsibilities. Williams has recently improved, pitching scoreless outings in 10 of his last 11 games and striking out nearly 40% of opponents during that stretch. If the Yankees don’t want Williams in the ninth, they might consider Mark Leiter Jr. or Fernando Cruz, who is returning from shoulder inflammation soon.

If Weaver’s recovery timeline holds true, he could return just before the All-Star Break. This gives the Yankees time to assess their bullpen before the trade deadline. As Weaver heads toward free agency at season’s end, he’ll want to return strong to secure a good deal. Although he may expect a three-year contract given his age, his performance will be key to maintaining high annual value.

In the grand scheme of things, pitching depth is crucial for teams, especially as season fatigue sets in. Trends show that successful bullpens have become a decisive factor in winning games, especially in high-pressure moments. Stats suggest that relievers contribute significantly to a team’s overall performance, and having reliable options like Weaver and emerging talent in Williams will be vital for the Yankees as they navigate the season.

For more on baseball statistics and player performances, you can check the latest reports on ESPN.

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