Luke Weaver Returns to the Yankees Sooner Than Expected
The New York Yankees activated reliever Luke Weaver from the injured list on Friday, ahead of schedule, thus reinforcing the back end of their bullpen.
Weaver suffered a hamstring strain while stretching in the bullpen on June 1. He was placed on the injured list two days later and was expected to miss between four and six weeks. Weaver beat that projection, returning in less than three weeks.
The right-handed pitcher threw a live bullpen session on Tuesday, simulating 1 1/3 innings in full uniform at Yankee Stadium. It was the final checkpoint in his faster-than-expected recovery. Afterward, Weaver said the hamstring discomfort subsided within days of suffering the injury.
Weaver, 30, has been one of the best relievers in the Major Leagues this season, recording an ERA of 1.05 and a WHIP of 0.70 in 24 appearances. He began the season as Devin Williams’ primary setup man, but was moved to the closer role in late April after Williams’ early struggles.
Williams has since recovered; the two-time All-Star has allowed three runs in 15 ¾ innings (1.72 ERA) in 17 outings since May 7. This week, manager Aaron Boone said he hadn’t yet decided whether Williams would continue as closer or whether Weaver would take over the role again.
