### Yankees Face Major Setback as Closer Luke Weaver Injured The New York Yankees are grappling with a significant challenge as their closer, Luke Weaver, has been sidelined due to a left hamstring injury. This injury occurred while warming up for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading to his placement on the 15-day injured list. Weaver has been a standout performer this season, boasting a remarkable 1.05 ERA and eight saves in 24 appearances. His absence is expected to last four to six weeks, prompting the Yankees to reassign the closer role to Devin Williams, who had previously struggled in that position earlier in the season. The Yankees currently lead the American League East, but this injury could impact their bullpen dynamics moving forward [http://www.thespec.com/sports/baseball/yankees-weaver-has-prp-injection-in-hamstring-stanton-could-start-minor-league-rehab-next-week/article_4910413b-54e8-5421-b406-985be173c301.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_plan_for_closer_revealed/s1_127_42284392]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Luke Weaver suffered a left hamstring strain while warming up for a game against the Dodgers. - He has been placed on the injured list for a duration of four to six weeks [https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-yanks-closer-luke-weaver-could-miss-4-6-weeks-2025-06-03]. 2. **Impact on the Team**: - Weaver's absence is a significant blow to the Yankees' bullpen, where he has excelled with a 1.05 ERA and eight saves this season. - Devin Williams will reassume the closer role, a position he struggled with earlier in the season [https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/luke-weaver-devin-williams-yankees-bullpen-fnlw5iuf]. 3. **Management's Response**: - Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Williams, stating he has "a ton" of confidence in him as the closer despite past struggles [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_plan_for_closer_revealed/s1_127_42284392]. 4. **Future Outlook**: - The Yankees are currently leading the AL East by 5.5 games, but the bullpen's effectiveness will be crucial in maintaining their position during Weaver's absence [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45439629/sources-yankees-closer-luke-weaver-hamstring-4-6-weeks]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Luke Weaver's Performance**: - **ERA**: 1.05 - **Saves**: 8 in 9 chances - **Innings Pitched**: 25.2 - **Strikeouts**: 24 - **Walks**: 7 [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_yanks_closer_luke_weaver_out_4_6_weeks_with_hamstring_injury/s1_17200_42277500]. - **Devin Williams' Previous Performance**: - Struggled early in the season, leading to Weaver's promotion to closer. - Williams recorded a save in his first game back in the role against the Cleveland Guardians [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_plan_for_closer_revealed/s1_127_42284392]. ### Conclusion In summary, the New York Yankees are facing a critical period as they navigate the loss of their effective closer, Luke Weaver, due to a hamstring injury. The transition back to Devin Williams as the closer will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge in the American League East. The Yankees' management remains optimistic about Williams' ability to perform under pressure, but the overall effectiveness of the bullpen will be tested in the coming weeks. The team's current lead in the division adds urgency to their need for a swift recovery and adaptation [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-06-03/yankees-closer-luke-weaver-goes-on-injured-list-with-strained-left-hamstring].