Yankees' Luke Weaver makes speedy return from injured list

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News on Jun 20, 2025

Published in Baseball

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NEW YORK — The Yankees boosted their bullpen on Friday, activating Luke Weaver from the injured list prior to their series-opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

The expected move marks a speedy, rehab assignment-less return for the righty, who strained his left hamstring during a mid-game stretch at Dodger Stadium on June 1. Weaver was initially expected to miss 4-6 weeks, but he cut that timeline to under three.

The Yankees optioned left-hander Jayvien Sandridge on Thursday, clearing a spot for Weaver.

On Tuesday, Weaver said his hamstring hasn’t bothered him since a day or two after the injury, which required a PRP shot, occurred. He threw live batting practice for the first time that day, simulating a four-out appearance over two innings while tossing upwards of 20 pitches at Yankee Stadium.

With Weaver back, Aaron Boone has yet to reveal how he will handle the ninth inning.

Weaver took over the closer’s role at the end of April after Devin Williams recorded an 11.25 ERA, two losses and one blown save over his first 10 games with the Yankees. However, Williams, who returned to the job after Weaver got hurt, has been much better since the initial demotion, recording a 2.79 ERA and five saves over 21 games prior to Friday. He had allowed just one run and had not blown a save since Weaver went on the IL.

Williams entered Friday with a 5.27 ERA and nine saves overall. Weaver, meanwhile, had a 1.05 ERA and eight saves before getting hurt.

With Williams and Weaver headed for free agency, Boone said he hadn’t made a decision on the closer’s role on Thursday. However, he planned on talking to both once Weaver officially rejoined the roster.

The skipper didn’t rule out splitting closing responsibilities between the two.

“We’ll see,” Boone said when asked about the possibility. “Look, let’s get through the day with Luke, and when he’s ready to come back, we’ll have that conversation.”

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