If Joe Girardi is done managing and feeling fatigued with broadcasting, he might have a future ahead in fortune-telling.
The former manager of the Marlins, Yankees, and Phillies predicted a rough outing for Luke Weaver during a broadcast on the YES Network. This happened moments before an unfortunate home run contributed to a 5-3 loss against the Orioles on Friday.
Weaver, who had previously allowed only three runs in his first 24 appearances this season, surrendered two runs in eight innings after returning from the injured list due to a left hamstring issue.
“When a guy hasn’t pitched for 17 days, it’s better to ease him back in,” Girardi noted just before Weaver threw a crucial 3-2 pitch in a tied game. “But, you know, the game’s score doesn’t give us that luxury tonight.”
A little while later, Lewis Arias hit a home run that broke the tie, putting Baltimore ahead 4-3.
Weaver managed to retire two of the next four batters but still allowed one to walk, leaving two runners on base for Tim Hill.
His pitch count reflected an off night, with only 14 of 24 pitches hitting the strike zone.
Now, his ERA stands at 1.71.
Aaron Boone plans to utilize both Weaver and Devin Williams for closing duties.
Initially, that role was meant for Williams, but he struggled during the season’s early games, allowing Weaver to step in effectively, even before his injury.
Williams had been a reliable option during Weaver’s absence, which lasted 17 days—much shorter than what had been anticipated.
During his tenure with the Yankees, Girardi gained recognition for how he managed the bullpen, with some even claiming he improved on the legendary Joe Torre’s methods.
Boone, likewise, has shown strengths in bullpen management, though he did break a key principle of not using a pitcher for three consecutive days earlier this season against the Rangers.
