Luke Weaver Has Been A Bullpen Boon

Despite missing key players, the Yankees bullpen is off to a dominant start. Their 2.69 ERA is second-best in the American League to only the Cleveland Guardians. However, the biggest surprise to come out of the bullpen is the ascendence of Luke Weaver. Once a failed starting pitcher, Weaver has found himself a home in the Yankees bullpen. He’s become one of New York’s most reliable relievers in high-leverage situations. Weaver’s success so far this season has been paying big dividends for the Yankees.

A Journeyman Pitcher

Before joining New York, Weaver was designated for assignment twice by both the Reds and Mariners. Weaver made 22 starts between Cincinnati and Seattle going 2-5 with an ERA of 6.94. After being designated for assignment by the Mariners after five games, Weaver was picked up by the Yankees in September. He greatly improved when he joined the Yankees. Weaver made three starts going 1-1 with an ERA of 3.38, 16 strikeouts, and a 1.275 WHIP. However, the season was already lost when he arrived as the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Thriving Despite Plans Changing

In the offseason, the Yankees brought back Luke Weaver on a one-year deal. He was originally re-signed merely as a bullpen depth piece. Weaver was most likely just going to be in an “innings-eater” role. However, when Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, Lou Trivino, and Jonathan Loaisiga all suffered injuries; the Yankees were forced to move Weaver into a bigger role than originally planned. However, despite the abrupt change of plans, Luke Weaver has thrived.

Luke Weaver Has Come A Long Way

So far this season, Luke Weaver has appeared in 15 games, going 3-0 with an ERA of 2.42, 27 strikeouts, and a 0.62 WHIP. He’s also only walked four batters and given up just two home runs. The former first-round pick has also been one of the Yankees’ more reliable pitchers in high-leverage situations. Opponents are only hitting a weak .135 against him. Out of the nine runners he’s inherited in 2024, only one has scored. The journeyman pitcher has come a long way since being released by the Reds and Mariners.

Luke Weaver’s Success Has Been A Welcoming Surprise

Despite all the injuries, the Yankees bullpen has still been able to have success. Luke Weaver has played a huge part in making that happen. Despite being originally brought back to just eat innings; the former top pitching prospect has become a key cog in the Yankee bullpen. His success in high-leverage situations has been a massive boon for this team.

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