Luke Weaver Set to Rejoin Yankees Bullpen on Friday

The New York Yankees are on the cusp of welcoming back one of their most reliable relievers, Luke Weaver, who could be activated from the injured list as early as tomorrow, June 20, 2025, according to manager Aaron Boone. Weaver’s potential return comes less than three weeks after he strained his left hamstring, an injury that temporarily disrupted the Yankees’ bullpen dynamics. Boone’s optimism about Weaver’s swift recovery signals a significant boost for a team aiming to maintain its lead in the American League East. This article delves into Weaver’s 2025 performance before his injury, the reason for his placement on the injured list, the Yankees’ bullpen performance in his absence, and the latest roster moves as the team prepares for a crucial stretch of the season.

Luke Weaver’s 2025 Stats Before the Injured List

Luke Weaver was a cornerstone of the Yankees’ bullpen in the early months of the 2025 season, showcasing the dominance that made him a breakout star in 2024. Before landing on the injured list on June 3, 2025, Weaver appeared in 24 games, pitching 25 2/3 innings with a sparkling 1.05 ERA. His ability to stifle opposing hitters was evident in his 0.701 WHIP and .412 opponents’ OPS. Weaver struck out 24 batters while converting eight of nine save opportunities, solidifying his role as the team’s closer after Devin Williams struggled early in the season. His performance underscored his transformation from a journeyman starter to an elite reliever, a journey that began when the Yankees claimed him off waivers in September 2023. Weaver’s 2025 stats before his injury highlight his critical role in the bullpen, making his absence keenly felt.

Reason for Weaver’s Injured List Placement

Weaver’s trip to the 15-day injured list was prompted by a left hamstring strain sustained while warming up in the bullpen during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 1, 2025. The injury occurred as Weaver prepared to enter the ninth inning to protect a 6-3 lead. According to Boone, Weaver “felt something” in his hamstring while stretching, describing the sensation as “alarming” but not “insane.” An MRI conducted the following day revealed a strain, with initial reports estimating a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, potentially sidelining him until mid-July or the All-Star break. Weaver received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to aid his recovery and has since progressed rapidly, resuming his throwing program and completing bullpen sessions and live batting practice without discomfort. His ahead-of-schedule recovery has fueled optimism about his imminent return.

Yankees Bullpen ERA Since Weaver’s Absence

In Weaver’s absence, the Yankees’ bullpen has faced challenges maintaining its earlier consistency. Since June 3, 2025, when Weaver was placed on the injured list, the bullpen has posted a collective ERA of approximately 4.15 over 17 games, a noticeable uptick from the 3.70 ERA it held through June 2, ranking 13th in MLB at the time. The loss of Weaver, who was Boone’s most trusted reliever, exposed vulnerabilities in the late innings, with Devin Williams stepping back into the closer role despite a season-long 6.23 ERA. While Williams has shown improvement, posting a 1.80 ERA in his last 11 appearances before Weaver’s injury, the bullpen’s overall performance has been shakier without Weaver’s steady presence. Relievers like Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill have helped stabilize the unit, but the absence of Weaver’s elite production has underscored his value.

Boone’s Confidence in Weaver’s Return

Aaron Boone’s recent comments have sparked excitement among Yankees fans, with the manager indicating that Weaver could be activated as soon as tomorrow, June 20, 2025. “Luke Weaver could be back tomorrow,” Boone said, noting that the right-hander’s recovery has progressed faster than anticipated. Weaver threw a simulated game on June 17, facing hitters like Oswaldo Peraza, and reported feeling “great,” with no lingering discomfort in his hamstring. Boone suggested that Weaver might skip a minor league rehab assignment, a testament to his confidence in the reliever’s readiness. The decision on Weaver’s activation is expected within the next two days, with Boone and the coaching staff evaluating his performance in live batting practice. Weaver’s potential return ahead of the four-to-six-week timeline is a significant development for a bullpen that has struggled to replicate his dominance.

Implications for the Closer Role

Weaver’s return raises questions about the Yankees’ closer role, which he reclaimed in late April 2025 after Williams’ early-season struggles. Boone has not clarified whether Weaver will immediately resume closing duties or shift back to a setup role, with Williams having regained some stability in the ninth inning. Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, has converted six of seven save opportunities this season, though his 6.23 ERA remains a concern. Boone has praised Williams’ recent form, noting that he’s “in a really good rhythm right now.” Alternatively, Boone could opt for a flexible approach, using both Weaver and Williams in high-leverage situations based on matchups. Weaver’s versatility, demonstrated by his ability to handle multi-inning stints and close games, makes him a valuable asset regardless of his role. The Yankees’ bullpen depth, bolstered by Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr., should benefit immensely from Weaver’s return.

In Other News: Yankees Roster Moves

Prior to today’s game on June 19, 2025, the Yankees announced several roster moves to adjust their active roster. The team signed left-handed pitcher Jayvien Sandridge to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster, where he will wear number 88. In corresponding moves, right-hander Yerry De Los Santos was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort, and infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera was transferred to the 60-day injured list. These changes reflect the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to manage injuries while maintaining depth. Sandridge, a new addition, could provide a fresh arm in the bullpen, while De Los Santos’ injury adds another challenge to the relief corps. Cabrera’s transfer to the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the 40-man roster, signaling a longer recovery timeline for the versatile player.

Looking Ahead

Luke Weaver’s potential return tomorrow marks a pivotal moment for the New York Yankees as they navigate a competitive AL East race. His 1.05 ERA, eight saves, and 24 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings before his injury highlight his importance to the bullpen, which has posted a 4.15 ERA in his absence. The left hamstring strain that sidelined him on June 3 could have derailed the team’s momentum, but Weaver’s rapid recovery and Boone’s confidence suggest he’s ready to reclaim his role as a late-inning force. With recent roster moves, including the addition of Jayvien Sandridge and injuries to Yerry De Los Santos and Oswaldo Cabrera, the Yankees are adapting to challenges while eyeing a deep postseason run. Weaver’s return could be the spark needed to stabilize the bullpen and propel the Yankees toward October success.