Injury Alert:Yankee’s late night Luke Weaver injury bomb is probably worse than you thought
The New York Yankees’ bullpen has suffered a significant setback with the announcement that closer Luke Weaver will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury. Weaver sustained the injury while warming up during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. An MRI conducted on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury, leading to his placement on the injured list.
Weaver has been a cornerstone of the Yankees’ bullpen this season, boasting a remarkable 1.05 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, and eight saves over 25 ⅔ innings. His performance has been instrumental in the Yankees’ success, providing stability in high-leverage situations. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the impact of Weaver’s absence, stating, “It’s a significant loss for us. Luke has been outstanding, and we’ll need others to step up in his absence.
In response to Weaver’s injury, the Yankees are expected to reinstate Devin Williams as the closer. Williams, who began the season in the closer role but was later replaced due to struggles, has shown improvement recently. Over his past 13 outings, he has not surrendered a run in 11 appearances, lowering his ERA to 6.23. Boone expressed confidence in Williams’ resurgence, noting his increased command and effectiveness.
Additionally, the Yankees have activated right-hander Fernando Cruz from the injured list to bolster the bullpen. Cruz has been effective this season, posting a 2.66 ERA across 21 appearances. His return provides the Yankees with another reliable arm as they navigate this challenging period.
The timing of Weaver’s injury is particularly concerning, as the Yankees are leading the AL East by 5.5 games and are entering a critical stretch of the season. The bullpen’s depth will be tested, and the team will need contributions from multiple relievers to maintain their momentum. Boone emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “Injuries are part of the game. It’s an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion.
As the Yankees prepare for their upcoming series against the Cleveland Guardians, the focus will be on adapting to the new bullpen dynamics and ensuring that the team’s performance remains consistent. The organization and fans alike will be hoping for a swift recovery for Weaver and continued success for the team in his absence.