Luke Weaver‘s return to the New York Yankees bullpen appears imminent. The relief pitcher may bypass a minor league rehab stint entirely.
His comeback brings welcome news for a struggling team. It also raises uncomfortable questions about manager Aaron Boone’s workload management.
Critics argue Boone’s heavy usage patterns contributed to Weaver’s injury. The closer has been sidelined since June 1 with a hamstring strain.
Weaver reports excellent progress
The right-hander threw 20 pitches during live batting practice Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. He faced J.C. Escarra and Oswald Peraza with Ben Rice behind the plate.
Weaver expressed strong confidence in his physical condition after the session.
“It felt great,” Weaver said. “All pitches are moving well. The heart rate is up, and velo is good. I feel like I’m where I need to be.”
The 31-year-old has completed three bullpen sessions without complications. He simulated two innings of work with no reported soreness.
Weaver stated he would return immediately if the decision were his alone.
Aaron Boone praised the live session and hinted at a quick activation.
“It felt great,” Weaver said. “All pitches are moving well. The heart rate is up, velo is good. I feel like I’m where I need to be.”
Team sources suggest Weaver could be activated without a rehab assignment. The final decision will come within two days.
Breakout season follows career revival
MLB
Weaver has emerged as one of the Yankees’ biggest success stories in 2025. The team signed him for $2 million during the offseason after years of inconsistent roles.
He assumed closer duties in late April when Devin Williams struggled. His numbers have been exceptional across 25 2/3 innings.
The Yankees closer owns a 1.05 ERA with eight saves and 24 strikeouts. Opponents are batting just .128 against him.
His transformation from rotation depth to elite closer has surprised many observers. The success came with a cost that’s now under scrutiny.
Weaver appeared in 20 of the Yankees’ first 37 games. He frequently pitched on consecutive nights and handled multiple innings regularly.
A particularly demanding stretch from May 5-15 featured seven appearances. Four of those outings lasted multiple innings.
Locked On Yankees host Stacey Gotsulias criticized Boone’s usage patterns before the injury occurred.
Gotsulias compared Boone’s approach to Joe Torre‘s bullpen management in the 2000s. Torre’s heavy usage often led to pitcher burnout.
Manager faces criticism
Boone’s bullpen handling has drawn increased scrutiny following Weaver’s injury. The manager already faces challenges with an overtaxed rotation and inconsistent lineup.
Critics point to Weaver’s workload as evidence of poor long-term planning. Three consecutive outings in mid-May and 10 appearances over 17 days raised red flags.
The injury didn’t occur during pitching. Weaver felt hamstring tightness while stretching in the bullpen on June 1 in Los Angeles.
Many believe the injury resulted from cumulative fatigue rather than a single incident.
Boone has avoided committing to specific roles upon Weaver’s return.
“I love the way Devin’s throwing the ball right now,” Boone said. “We’ll figure out what makes the most sense when Weav gets back. It’s a good problem to have.”
Bullpen dynamics shift during absence
NYY
Devin Williams has regained his form while serving as the primary closer. He’s posted a 2.95 ERA with five saves since reclaiming the role.
Williams has allowed just one run across 12 appearances during Weaver’s absence. The Yankees have still lacked reliable depth in high-leverage situations.
Jake Cousins remains on his own rehab assignment with High-A Hudson Valley. The back end of the bullpen has provided inconsistent results.
Weaver’s return would give Boone multiple options for closing, setup work, or multi-inning relief. His versatility makes him extremely valuable.
One scout questioned whether that value justified the heavy usage patterns.
One scout questioned whether statistical success justified the approach. The scout noted that while Weaver’s numbers looked impressive, his usage pattern raised concerns.
Focus on performance over recovery timeline
Weaver emphasized his focus on pitch execution rather than simply meeting medical benchmarks. His live batting practice session tested specific aspects of his repertoire.
“Trying to make sure that the adrenaline matches the intensity. Trying to get the cutter glove-side, changeup down and away. Not just throwing — pitching,” he explained.
The reliever hasn’t experienced discomfort since the initial injury period. A PRP injection helped accelerate his recovery process.
“Today was a big day,” he said. “And every day that I’ve done anything has yielded great results.”
Critical juncture for Yankees
Weaver’s imminent return offers the Yankees a chance to stabilize their bullpen. The team can’t afford additional setbacks given their current struggles.
The offense remains historically poor. The rotation lacks depth. The bullpen represents one of the few organizational strengths.
The Yankees trail Baltimore in the AL East division race. Late-inning games will likely determine their playoff fate.
Proper management of Weaver’s workload could provide the stability they need. Mishandling his return might invite more criticism and potential injury.
Boone must balance immediate needs with long-term health concerns. The decision will reveal his approach to bullpen management going forward.
