The New York Yankees’ rotation has taken another hit. Mere days after losing Max Fried to a bone bruise in his pitching elbow, fellow lefty Ryan Weathers has landed on the injured list with a left forearm flexor strain. The Yankees have recalled right-hander Brendan Beck in a corresponding move.
While Weathers doesn’t yet have a clear timeline, on Sunday, he told reporters, including the Athletic, that tests have shown his elbow to be structurally sound and that he doesn’t think the injury will necessarily put an end to his season. Weathers also stated that a similar yet more severe injury last season cost him a month.
Weathers will not throw for two to four weeks, manager Aaron Boone stated on Sunday (via the New York Daily News), but has a “great chance” of pitching again this season, possibly as a reliever.
The Yankees acquired Weathers, 26, in a trade this past offseason with the Marlins. He’s been an effective and stabilizing presence in the New York rotation this season across 25 starts.
Ryan Weathers
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The loss of Weathers leaves the Yankees with, at present, four healthy starting pitchers, and that includes the recently returned Carlos Rodón. As well, Will Warren, who may have been ticketed for the bullpen before Fried and Weathers went down, will now have to remain in the rotation. It remains to be seen how manager Aaron Boone will navigate this recent challenge as the Yankees attempt to catch the Rays at the top of the American League East standings or, failing that, retain the top wild-card spot in the AL.
The Yankees have struggled to score runs for some time, and that’s increased the stress upon and the importance of the pitching staff. The Yankees on Sunday did reinstate outfielder Cody Bellinger from the IL, which should help matters on that front. However, the rotation — the bedrock in the Bronx all season — is now a major concern.
The Yankees enter play on Sunday with a record of 73-56, which puts them three games behind the Rays in the division.
