Yankees closer injury adds to bullpen challenges
The New York Yankees are bracing for another bullpen setback as closer Luke Weaver is expected to be placed on the injured list following a hamstring injury sustained during warm-ups Sunday night, sources told ESPN insider Jeff Passan.
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Weaver, who has been closing for the Yankees since April, is expected to miss four to six weeks, Passan reported.
This is a huge blow to a bullpen that was only stabalized when Weaver stepped into the closer role when Devin Williams couldn't handle it.
New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays April 19, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field.© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, was acquired last offseason to be the Yankees closer, but got off to a brutal start and lost the job. In his first 12 appearnaces, Williams allowed 10 earned runs over 8 1/3 innings pitched for a 11.25 ERA.
That cost him the job as the closer.
In his 15 appearances since, Williams has pitched to a 3.29 ERA. While it's not quite the dominance that he showed in Milwaukee that made the Yankees want to trade for him, it's been an improvement.
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Still, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he would rather not move Williams back just last week.
Now, he may not have a choice.
As the Yankees adjust, the return of relievers like Fernando Cruz, currently recovering from a right shoulder issue, may become even more critical in stabilizing the bullpen during Weaver's absence. Cruz has earned two saves this season as Williams struggled.
Weaver has been dominant this season in any role. He's pitched to a 1.05 ERA and racked up eight saves in 24 appearances this season.
Related: Insider Flags Potential Shifts in Yankees' Roster Plans
Related: Familiar Name Could Fix the Yankees' Infield Problems, Says Former Mets GM
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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