Converted into the New York Yankees Closer mid way through the summer, Luke Weaver has become Mr. Automatic, and is the heart and soul of this Yankees Bullpen. Way back when, there was another guy who did that. Mariano Riviera.

He has fed on the Energy, of playoff baseball, and has given his all, and it has shown in the numbers. The Yankees as a bullpen, have not yielded a run in 15 2/3 innings pitched, and Weaver has led the charge by being perfect. In baseball playoff history, it was the third-most innings without giving up an earned run in the post season. The other teams, that have accomplished this feat were the 1991 Minnesota Twins, with 18 1/3 innings, and the Dodgers with 17 innings vs the Cubs in 2017.

Weaver saved all three wins, against the Royals striking out five in 4 1/3 innings pitched, and only allowing two hits. Since replacing Clay Holmes as the closer in September, he is a perfect 7 for 7 in save opportunities.

Holmes had been the closer, but was very inconsistent, as he blew 13 save opportunities, which tied the team record, with Goose Goosage sand Dave Righetti.

With Weaver doing his part, leading the bullpen and being so strong, it has allowed the Yankees bullpen to be better as a whole. Clay has been dropped to a setup role, which he has excelled at, especially against the Royals. He pitched five scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Royals. He did all of this while striking out 3 and walking one batter. The Yankees now have a great 1-2 punch which allows Aaron Boone the luxury to mix and match the rest of the bullpen in the latter half of these playoff games.

Speaking of the remaining pieces of the bullpen, the Yankees bullpen has been lights out this post season, as they have gotten excellent contributions from Right-handers Tommy Kahnle and Ian Hamilton, as well as lefties Tim Hill and Tim Mayza.

Going back to Weaver for a moment, he began his MLB career in 2016 and has pitched in 206 games with 106 of them in relief. In 2023 with both the Reds and the Mariners he had an ERA over 6.00 with both teams. The Yankees picked him up at the end of that 2023 season, he went 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA with them. In 2024 he actually improved, pitching in 84.0 innings with 103 strikeouts, only 26 walks with a 2.89 ERA in his resurgence in pinstripes.

Not a bad turnaround for a guy, who had to be wondering if his MLB career was coming to an end. But, his second chance with his third team last season has led to a playoff appearance this season where he is being trusted with getting the final outs of pivotal games. And doing a great job in the Bronx jungle, especially with his contagious emotion.

Photo Credit; AMNewYork, Forbes, Pinstripe Alley

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