Luke Weaver was unavailable for the Yankees after pitching nine innings on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium due to an incorrect stretch.
This situation is likely to persist for the next few weeks.
Weaver has indicated to ESPN that he could be sidelined for four to six weeks. Following his warm-up on Sunday, he will focus on hamstring adjustments and is expected to land on the injured list by Tuesday.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed some concern, saying, “I hope it’s not that serious,” regarding Weaver’s ongoing treatment for his hamstrings as the team made their way home.
Weaver has had a strong start this season, registering an ERA of 1.05, along with eight saves and 24 strikeouts over 25 and two-thirds innings.
The Yankees’ bullpen is facing a setback now that they’ll be without Weaver. Devin Williams had previously lost his role to Weaver after struggling in late April. Interestingly, Williams has gradually improved, allowing runs in just two of his last 15 appearances.
His only notable hiccup came last week against the Angels when Weaver couldn’t pitch after two consecutive days on the mound. Williams, however, gave up a couple of runs before closing in a 3-2 victory.
On Sunday, Williams pitched the eighth inning with the Yankees ahead 6-3, successfully handling players like Hesong Kim and Teoscar Hernández.
After struggling to find his strikeout ability early in the season, Williams seems to have regained it in May, boasting a striking 34.8% whiff rate, putting him in the 95th percentile.
Boone noted last week, “It felt like a similar edge,” expressing confidence in Williams as he finds his rhythm within the season.
Adding to their bullpen depth, the Yankees are expected to activate Fernando Cruz on Tuesday. Mark Reiter Jr. is also performing well, providing Boone with the flexibility to adapt strategies based on matchups for the upcoming games.
