Luke Weaver hilariously reflects on missing multiple closing opportunities due to the Yankees scoring too many runs
New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver has bounced around the league for the majority of his career. He has played nine seasons in the big leagues and is currently with his sixth team.
With the constant bouncing around, Weaver has transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever, especially this season in the Bronx. He has been used 45 times, compiling a 3.50 ERA on 64.1 innings of work.
While he strives to be a starting pitcher, the bullpen has opened up his eyes. Weaver talked about his mindset on a recent airing of Foul Territory TV.
"The bullpen has opened my eyes to, you know, understanding what that side of it looks like, and there's a lot of fun, and there's a lot of things that come from that that make sense for me as well," said Weaver.
Being a starter and a reliever are two completely different positions. Your warm-up routine changes, your effort level changes being in the bullpen, and how you view the game changes.
While Weaver has taken it in stride and has found his role in the Bronx, he would love some more opportunities to close out some games.
"Closing would be sick. I mean, I think I've had about five or six oppurtunities to close with Clay Holmes getting a rest day, and we score runs when that happens. So, I haven't had an oppurtunity to go out there and to get one," said Weaver.
Luke Weaver has learned a lot since transition to the Yankees' bullpen
Clay Holmes has been exceptional as a closer for the Yankees. He has appeared in 49 games, compiling a 2.81 ERA with 25 saves, tying him for fifth most alongside Josh Hader.
Holmes has been a player that Luke Weaver has looked up to and has learned a ton from this year. Weaver credits him and the rest of the bullpen for helping him this year.
"At the end of the day, I've learned a lot from watching Clay, I've learned a lot just from the bullpen in itself," said Weaver.
The Yanks will continue to give the ball to Weaver down the stretch as they compete for a division title. They are a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles and have been battling with them all season long.