Yankees’ Bullpen in Crisis: Luke Weaver Faces 4-6 Week Absence with Hamstring Injury

The New York Yankees are reeling from a devastating blow to their bullpen, as closer Luke Weaver is expected to be placed on the injured list following a hamstring injury sustained during warm-ups before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Weaver underwent an MRI, and sources indicate he could miss four to six weeks, with the official timetable to be confirmed on Tuesday. This significant injury, combined with other roster challenges, including a thumb injury to outfielder Jasson Dominguez, has heightened concerns as the Yankees prepare for a critical series against the Cleveland Guardians.

New York Yankees closer Luke Weaver is expected be placed on the injured list after injuring his hamstring warming up Sunday night, sources tell ESPN. Weaver underwent an MRI and could miss four to six weeks, though the official timetable will be determined Tuesday.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 3, 2025

Luke Weaver’s Injury: A Major Setback for the Yankees

Jeff Passan reported on X that Luke Weaver’s hamstring injury, which occurred during pregame warm-ups on Sunday, has left the Yankees’ bullpen in a precarious position. The MRI results confirmed the severity of the injury, with a projected recovery period of four to six weeks. Weaver’s absence is a critical loss for a team that has relied heavily on his ability to close out games and maintain leads in high-pressure situations. As the Yankees navigate a challenging 2025 season, this injury could force significant adjustments to their bullpen strategy, putting additional strain on an already depleted pitching staff.Weaver’s role as a dependable closer has been pivotal to the Yankees’ success, making his extended absence a cause for alarm. With the team already managing injuries to key players, the loss of Weaver amplifies the pressure on the remaining pitchers. Manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff will need to lean on less experienced relievers or reconfigure roles to compensate, a daunting task as they face tough opponents like the Guardians in their upcoming games.

Navigating a Season of Injuries

The 2025 season has been a grueling one for the Yankees, with injuries piling up at an alarming rate. In addition to Weaver’s hamstring issue, the team is dealing with a thumb injury to outfielder Jasson Dominguez, which occurred during Sunday’s game against the Dodgers. The mounting injury list, which also includes stars like Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, has forced the Yankees to rely on their roster depth more than ever. The loss of Weaver, a key figure in the bullpen, adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.The coaching staff faces tough decisions in managing the bullpen without Weaver. Younger pitchers or those with less high-leverage experience may need to step into critical roles, and the team’s ability to maintain composure in close games will be tested. The four-to-six-week timeline reported by Passan underscores the urgency for the Yankees to find short-term solutions while hoping for Weaver’s swift and full recovery.

Impact on Playoff Hopes

Weaver’s injury comes at a critical juncture in the season, with every game carrying significant weight for postseason positioning. His absence could disrupt the team’s ability to secure leads late in games, potentially altering outcomes in tightly contested matchups. The Yankees will need to rally around their remaining pitchers and lean on their offensive depth to compensate for the bullpen’s weakened state. The series against the Guardians will serve as an early test of how well the team can adapt to this adversity.Fans are left anxiously awaiting updates on Weaver’s condition, with the official timetable expected on Tuesday. The hope is that the injury will not sideline him for the full six weeks, but the Yankees are preparing for all scenarios. Strategic roster moves and reliance on emerging talent will be key to keeping their playoff dreams alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest on Luke Weaver’s injury?

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Luke Weaver is expected to be placed on the injured list after injuring his hamstring during warm-ups on Sunday. An MRI suggests he could miss four to six weeks, with the official timeline to be confirmed on Tuesday.

How will Luke Weaver’s injury affect the Yankees’ bullpen?

Weaver’s absence as a closer will put significant pressure on the Yankees’ bullpen, forcing the team to rely on less experienced pitchers or adjust roles to cover high-leverage situations.

Who else is injured on the Yankees’ roster?

In addition to Weaver, the Yankees are managing injuries to players like Oswaldo Cabrera, Jazz Chisholm, and Gerrit Cole, creating significant challenges for the team’s depth.

What are the Yankees’ next games?

The Yankees face the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, June 3 at Yankee Stadium.

Summary

The New York Yankees face a significant challenge with closer Luke Weaver expected to miss four to six weeks due to a hamstring injury, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The injury, sustained during warm-ups before Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, adds to the team’s ongoing injury woes. With a critical series against the Cleveland Guardians looming, the Yankees must adjust their bullpen strategy and rely on their roster depth to stay competitive. Fans and team officials alike are holding their breath for positive updates on Weaver’s recovery as the Yankees fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.