Yankees fans brace for 'nightmare fuel' after closer Luke Weaver injury announcement
Yankees fans brace for 'nightmare fuel' after closer Luke Weaver injury announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Yankees are staring down another bullpen challenge after closer Luke Weaver suffered a hamstring injury during warm-ups Sunday night and he is expected to miss four to six weeks. With Weaver sidelined, manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Devin Williams is set to reclaim the closer role.
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That's a move that's stirring up a storm of reactions among Yankees fans on social media.
One witty fan summed it up with 'From Cardiac Clay to Defibrillator Devin!' — a nod to the rollercoaster ride both Williams and another Yankees reliever, Clay Holmes, have provided.
Another chimed in, 'Let Yarborough close,' while a more hopeful voice said, 'It's the correct move. Bash him all you want, Devin Williams is a closer and you traded a lot to be effective. He'll be fine.'
But not everyone was optimistic. Comments ranged from 'This could get ugly!' and 'Nightmare fuel for all Yankee fans,' to the grim, 'I hear someone playing 'Taps' in the background. We are sunk.' And the reality check? 'Buckle up boys it's going to be a wild 4-6 weeks.'
New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin WilliamsBrad Penner-Imagn Images
Williams, once the dominant National League Reliever of the Year with the Milwaukee Brewers, struggled mightily in his early outings for the Yankees. In his first 12 appearances, he posted an eye-popping 11.25 ERA, allowing 10 earned runs over just 8⅓ innings, which cost him the closer's job.
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It got so bad that Yankee Stadium was filled with chants for Boone to switch to Weaver.
Since then, he's shown signs of improvement, cutting his ERA to 3.29 in his next 15 appearances, but the memories of that rough start still linger for many.
Boone has stood behind Williams, saying the right-hander looks sharper lately and has shown improved command. Still, fans know the bullpen's stability is vital as the team pushes for a playoff spot in a tightly contested American League East.
Williams is a free agent after this season, and if he can regain his closer form, he will certainly earn more money. If he fails again, it will cost him and the Yankees.
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Related: Another Bullpen Setback Raises Concerns for Yankees' Closing Depth
Related: Insider Flags Potential Shifts in Yankees' Roster Plans
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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