The New York Yankees made significant bullpen adjustments Thursday as injuries and roster moves created unexpected opportunities. Luke Weaver appears ready to return weeks ahead of schedule while the team deals with another reliever injury.
The Yankees placed right-hander Yerry De Los Santos on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort. They called up Jayvien Sandridge, a hard-throwing left-hander from Triple-A, for his major league debut.
The moves come as Weaver nears activation following his hamstring injury earlier this month. His return could reshape the late-inning hierarchy just as the team prepares for a crucial AL East series.
Weaver’s recovery exceeds all expectations
Luke Weaver was initially expected to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring strain suffered at Dodger Stadium on June 1. Instead, the right-hander could rejoin the active roster as early as Friday.
Weaver threw live batting practice earlier this week and cleared all medical evaluations without complications. His rapid progress surprised even the Yankees‘ medical staff.
“Maybe a little [surprised], just based on the initial readings,” said manager Aaron Boone. “That being said, I know he felt good right away.”
The reliever posted a 1.05 ERA with eight saves before his injury. His dominance had secured the closer’s role until the hamstring problem sidelined him.
Weaver’s return creates a fascinating decision for Boone. Devin Williams has excelled as the interim closer, converting all four save opportunities while allowing just one run in 5.2 innings.
“We’ll see,” Boone said. “Let’s get through the day with Luke, and then when he’s ready to come back, we’ll have that conversation.”
Williams had lost the closer job in late April but has pitched exceptionally during Weaver’s absence. He struck out eight batters across six strong appearances, including a dominant three-strikeout save in Thursday’s 7-3 victory over the Angels.
Sandridge makes brief debut after long journey
The Yankees selected Jayvien Sandridge to fill De Los Santos’ roster spot. The 6-foot-5 left-hander brings a 99-mph fastball and an inspiring backstory to the Bronx.
Sandridge was optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre immediately after Thursday’s game. His major league stint was always designed to be temporary.
The reliever’s path to the majors included stops with Baltimore, Cincinnati, and San Diego before signing a minor league contract with New York in February. A spring training elbow issue delayed his Yankees debut, but he dominated during his rehabilitation assignment.
Sandridge posted a 1.29 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 7 innings at Triple-A. His performance earned him consideration for the major league bullpen.
“After my second outing this spring, I had some bone spurs flare up on me,” Sandridge said. “They gave a cortisone shot and I was good after a month.”
De Los Santos injury creates depth concerns
Yerry De Los Santos had been a reliable bullpen option with a 1.80 ERA across 14 appearances. His injury Wednesday night raised immediate concerns about the Yankees’ relief depth.
De Los Santos experienced discomfort while facing three batters and couldn’t extend properly on his pitches. An MRI was scheduled to determine the severity of his elbow problem.
“He felt like he wasn’t really able to extend (his arm on his pitches), so he’s getting testing done,” Boone said. “(The trainers) felt (Wednesday) night it was an IL situation. We’ll see the (MRI) results and try to scope out a timeline from there.”
The right-hander had struggled with control this season, walking 12 batters in 20 innings. However, his elite sinker and ability to generate ground balls consistently helped him escape trouble.
Brubaker returns while Cabrera moves to 60-day IL
J.T. Brubaker joined the Yankees bullpen after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander was acquired from Pittsburgh in 2024 but missed significant time due to the procedure and a fractured rib this spring.
Brubaker will serve as a long reliever and potential swingman if rotation needs to arise. His versatility provides valuable depth during a demanding schedule.
The Yankees transferred Oswaldo Cabrera to the 60-day injured list to create roster space for Sandridge. The move further depletes an already thin bench that lacks utility flexibility.
Weaver’s impact extends beyond closer role
Even if Weaver doesn’t immediately reclaim closer duties, his return provides significant benefits. Boone gains additional leverage options for late-game situations while reducing workload pressure on other relievers.
The ripple effect allows better role distribution throughout the bullpen. Setup men can slide into more appropriate slots while preserving arms during the grueling summer months.
“I mean, it’s Luke Weaver,” Boone said. “But just then the trickle-down effect that that has, obviously, on giving you more hammers at the back end of the game, especially, and slotting guys into better slots. Anytime you add someone like Luke, it just makes the entire thing better, on top of what he brings.”
Critical AL East test awaits
The bullpen restructuring comes as the Yankees prepare for a pivotal series against Baltimore. New York enters at 43-31 but faces intense competition in the AL East race.
The starting rotation appears stable with Carlos Rodón showing consistency and the team managing without injured ace Gerrit Cole. However, offensive production and bullpen reliability remain question marks.
The Orioles series will test whether these roster moves can help the Yankees maintain their division standing. Success could validate the organization’s depth of development and injury management.
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