The Yankees are gearing up for a challenging stretch as they plan to place closer Luke Weaver on the 15-day injured list due to a hamstring issue he sustained while warming up during Sunday’s game. While the team has yet to nail down a specific timetable for his return, early reports suggest he could be sidelined for about four to six weeks.
Weaver has carved out a solid reputation as one of baseball’s top relievers since his arrival in the Bronx. Last year, he posted an impressive 2.89 ERA, and his durability shone through as he ranked third in MLB with 84 innings pitched in relief. With a strikeout rate exceeding 31%, he quickly became a standout performer, recording 22 holds and ultimately taking over the closer role from Clay Holmes as the season wound down. During the postseason, Weaver further showcased his skill, adding four saves and allowing just three runs in 15 1/3 innings.
With the offseason trade for Devin Williams, expectations were set for Weaver to transition back to a setup role—something he had enjoyed for much of 2024. However, when Williams struggled early on, allowing three or more runs in three of his first ten outings, the Yankees made a shift. They opted to pull him from the ninth inning by the end of April, hoping the transition to a setup position would help him regain his form.
As a result, Weaver stepped back into the closer role, converting 8 of 9 save opportunities. Even with a slight dip in his strikeout rate, he’s been remarkably effective, allowing only three runs across 25 2/3 innings this season. Look for Aaron Boone to provide an update on the closer situation when he addresses the media ahead of tomorrow’s series opener against the Guardians.
Interestingly, Williams has found his rhythm of late, registering scoreless appearances in ten of his last eleven outings while striking out nearly 40% of the batters he’s faced during that stretch. Giving him the ball in the ninth inning seems like the most straightforward option as the Yankees navigate this hole in their bullpen. If the team decides against handing the closer role back to Weaver right away upon his return, other candidates like Mark Leiter Jr. or Fernando Cruz could emerge as alternatives—especially with Cruz expected to come back from shoulder inflammation shortly.
If Weaver’s recovery timeline holds true, he could make his return right around the All-Star Break. This would give the Yankees a vital window to assess their bullpen before the trade deadline approaches. Given that Weaver is on track for free agency at the season’s end, he has ample time to return and solidify his standing as one of the top relievers available. While he may be limited to a three-year deal as he enters his age-32 season, if his performance remains strong, teams will likely be lining up to make compelling offers.
