Yankees’ Luke Weaver Adapts as Bullpen Star Amid Velocity Drop

TAMPA, Fla. — In a season marked by uncertainty, Luke Weaver has emerged as an essential piece in the New York Yankees‘ bullpen. This month alone, the right-hander has pitched nine innings without allowing an earned run, striking out nine batters while permitting just two hits and five walks, maintaining a perfect 0.00 ERA. His impressive streak extends back to last season, encapsulating 15 consecutive scoreless regular-season appearances.

Despite these accomplishments, Weaver insists he has not yet reached his peak performance. “I’m proud of what I’ve been doing thus far because I feel like I haven’t clicked into my top-shelf self,” he said after the Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals. “But I feel really convicted and confident.”

Weaver’s performance is particularly notable considering he has transitioned from a starter to a reliever, a move that has shifted his approach. His four-seam fastball has dropped from an average of 95.7 mph last season to 93.2 mph this year. “I got to be mindful that this ain’t coming out the same,” he explained, emphasizing the need to adapt. “So I can’t pitch the same way. I’ve got to mix. I’ve got to deceive.”

The Yankees have used Weaver effectively in critical situations, often relying on him as a middle-inning fireman. In a recent game, he entered the seventh inning with two runners on and promptly induced a groundout with just two pitches—one 93.7 mph fastball and one 86 mph changeup. “There’s pivotal points in games… [that are] game-changing moments right there,” Weaver stated, noting that the adrenaline feels the same whether he’s closing out a game or handling a critical middle inning.

Manager Aaron Boone praised Weaver’s consistency, noting that, despite a decline in strikeout rate, he has excelled at generating weak contact and keeping inherited runners from scoring. “His execution has been really good,” Boone said. The Yankees have benefited from Weaver’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, which has been crucial to their positive start this season.

Weaver attributes the dip in his fastball velocity to the unusually cold April weather. “Probably the coldest I’ve ever had to pitch in in my career,” he mentioned. Boone echoed this hope, suggesting that as spring warmens, Weaver’s velocity could return. “Hopefully, as it warms up as the season unfolds, there’s more velocity in there.”

For now, Weaver’s success has elevated him as a reliable option in the Yankees’ bullpen amidst rotation challenges. He has not only adapted to his role but has also become a tactical asset, showcasing his ability to adjust strategy while ensuring that he continues to deliver outs. “If it’s less swing-and-miss and less strikeout and more contact, ground ball, fly ball — outs are outs,” Weaver summarized.

As the Yankees look ahead in their season, they hope to see Weaver’s best form return—a prospect that would only add to his effectiveness and further solidify his role as a key player in their pursuit of victory.