Yankees reliever Luke Weaver was initially given a month-plus recovery timetable when he strained his left hamstring just over two weeks ago, but it appears he’s ready to return to the mound ahead of schedule.
Before the Yankees’ series finale with the Angels on Thursday, manager Aaron Boone revealed the veteran right-hander could be activated from the 15-day injured list as soon as Friday, when the team opens a three-game home set against the division-rival Orioles.
“Any time you add someone like Luke, it just makes the entire thing better, on top of what he brings,” Boone told reporters. “Maybe a little [surprised by the recovery], just based on the initial readings. But that being said, I know he felt good right away.
“Even the few days after, he got the PRP in there, I knew based on his throwing program right away. His ability to get right back on the mound was big. He was throwing a side, however many days in, had a few sides, the live. Looks really good, so it’s all been encouraging.”
Weaver has been an invaluable back-end arm in the Yankees’ bullpen. This season, he’s registered a sharp 1.05 ERA and 0.70 WHIP across 25.2 innings (24 appearances) with 24 strikeouts and eight saves. He’s also held opponents to a career-low .128 average.
Boone hinted at the possibility of Weaver’s speedy return earlier in the week, when he suggested a rehab assignment wasn’t even necessary for him. Weaver faced hitters in live batting practice on Tuesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring, and Boone described the session as “excellent.”
It remains to be seen how the Yanks will deploy Weaver in the late innings, as star reliever Devin Williams (1.98 ERA in last 15 games) has pitched well of late in the ninth inning and resembled his old, All-Star self.
When asked about the closer role on Thursday, Boone was tight-lipped. So, the assignment could once again belong to an effective Weaver upon his return, or he could ease back into the setup role behind Williams. It’s also possible the Yankees go closer-by-committee for the foreseeable future.
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