The Yankees are facing some challenges in their bullpen, with Fernando Cruz sidelined due to a shoulder injury since his last outing on Saturday.
However, Luke Weaver is stepping up to help fill the gaps, whether he’s stepping in for Cruz or pitching in a tight game against Devin Williams, especially after a rough start in the Bronx earlier. On Wednesday, with the game tied in the top of the ninth inning, Weaver took the mound after Yerry de Los Santos let Sam Haggerty reach base with a leadoff single.
Weaver managed to retire Wyatt Langford and Josh John with flyouts to center field before finishing the inning, preventing Haggerty from stealing a base.
This set the stage for Jasson Domínguez, who won the game for the Yankees with a home run in the bottom of the ninth, leading to a 4-3 victory.
Aaron Boone reflected on the game, calling it a “good, gritty victory,” especially given the absences in the bullpen. Alongside Cruz, Ian Hamilton is also struggling.
Jonathan Roashga is back in the lineup but didn’t perform at his best on Wednesday. Interestingly, in 20 appearances so far, Weaver has allowed just one run over 21⅔ innings.
Boone praised Weaver, mentioning that the right-hander sometimes dazzles with his electric stuff and other times depends more on his Moxie and changeup, and it ultimately boils down to location. But it’s not always straightforward, as previous saviors have demonstrated.
Weaver had a tough time finishing a game on Tuesday when he gave up a two-run homer, followed by a triple, which raises concerns.
On Wednesday, Boone looked for a power boost from Delos Santos in the ninth, but ended up calling on Weaver. He didn’t shine quite like he has recently, mainly since stepping up for Clay Holmes at the end of last season.
With a solid five innings from Ryan Yarbra, the Yankees had to rely on five different relievers to wrap up the game.
All of this while Cruz is out could make Weaver’s role increasingly significant, especially as he has been stepping into Williams’ setup position. Roashga’s return, along with effective performances from Mark Reiter Jr. and Tim Hill, bode well for the Yankees moving forward.
