Luke Weaver steps into Yankees spotlight amid Holmes’uncertain future: ‘That’s a good recipe’

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Luke Weaver‘s transition into the closer role for the Yankees has been marked by growing confidence and composure. His first Major League save on September 6 at Wrigley Field was a high-pressure experience, as Weaver admitted feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of closing out the ninth inning. Still, he managed to lock down a 3-0 win for New York.

Weaver reflects on that moment as a key learning experience, one that has helped him feel more comfortable in later outings. He compares that first save to a more recent five-out save in a 7-4 win over the Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum, describing it as far less stressful.

While “comfortable” might not be the perfect word, Weaver says he’s grown more familiar with the closer role and now handles high-pressure situations with greater calm. He’s learned to better manage his adrenaline and nerves, allowing him to focus on executing pitches. This growth, he believes, comes from accumulating experience in crucial moments.

“Things are coming together pretty well,” the defacto Yankees closer said. “I think the experience each time makes it easier to combat those high-intensity moments.”

Since Clay Holmes was removed from the closer role, Weaver has stepped up, though manager Aaron Boone hasn’t officially named him the team’s closer. Weaver has thrived in the position, converting all four of his save chances since taking on the responsibility. His strong season continues, and he’s making a case for himself as a reliable option in the ninth inning.

In his last seven appearances, starting with that September 6 save, Weaver has been dominant. He’s held opposing batters to just three hits and one unearned run over 10 innings, collecting two wins, four saves, and one hold. His 22 strikeouts compared to just three walks highlight his control and effectiveness in high-leverage situations.

Weaver credits his first save for helping him overcome the pre-game jitters and nervousness. As he’s settled into the role, he’s developed a more measured approach, quickly shifting focus to the next opportunity rather than dwelling on past performances. This mindset, he says, has been key to his success.

Weaver’s wonderful rebound a big boost for Yankees

Luke Weaver’s rise as a pivotal figure in the Yankees’ bullpen has been one of the team’s most surprising and positive stories this season. After being released by both the Mariners and Reds last summer, Weaver’s future in baseball seemed uncertain. Yet, he responded to those setbacks with significant changes to his pitching approach, transforming his career trajectory.

Weaver revamped his pitch arsenal by discarding his slider and curveball, focusing more on his cutter. Additionally, he made a critical tweak to his four-seam fastball grip, which boosted both its velocity and vertical movement. This adjustment has paid off in a big way, with his strikeout rate skyrocketing from 19.4% last year to 30.4% this season—the largest jump in all of Major League Baseball.

Reflecting on the changes, Weaver said he was driven by watching other pitchers succeed at generating swings and misses. He expressed amazement at his own turnaround, admitting that he never would have predicted this level of success just a year ago.

“It really is a blessing, and it’s crazy to think about how things just come together,” he said. “A year ago, if I were to look at what I’m doing right now, I’d be like, ‘Yeah, right.’”

Weaver credits Yankees ace Gerrit Cole for helping him refine his fastball grip. While the new grip felt awkward at first, Weaver recognized its potential and stuck with it. Another notable shift came in his pitching mechanics, as he moved from a high leg kick to a slide step delivery. This change surprised some Yankees coaches when he introduced it during spring training.

Weaver’s resilience in the face of career challenges, coupled with his mechanical adjustments, has been key to his resurgence. His contributions to the Yankees’ pitching staff this season have been a vital, and unexpected, boost for the team.

Luke Weaver speaks about his daily commitment to self-improvement and maintaining focus during each session on the field. He stresses the importance of building on past experiences while competing without being sidetracked by minor setbacks. Weaver attributes his success this season to a combination of mechanical adjustments and refined grip techniques, which have improved his pitch movement. He refers to this blend of changes as a “trifecta” that has been key to his resurgence.

“Each day I come to the field, I feel like there’s a chance to get better, to build off something and compete out there and not have my mind wander about if something feels off,” the closer said. “The mechanical change helps me bridge that gap, and the cherry on top is manipulating grips and trying to elevate movement. When you have that trifecta working, that’s a good recipe, and that’s what’s showing right now.”

As the postseason looms, Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggests Weaver’s role may vary. While he could be tapped for ninth-inning save opportunities, Boone is also considering using him in other late-inning, high-leverage situations. Weaver, for his part, is ready for whatever the team needs. He expresses confidence in the Yankees’ bullpen to protect leads throughout the playoffs, with eyes set on a potential World Series run.

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