NEW YORK – Ryan Weathers has been making waves as a starter for the New York Yankees, surpassing personal bests in both starts and innings pitched this season. His recent performances have put him in contention to secure a spot in the rotation as the team approaches the critical stretch of the season.
As the Yankees prepare for the return of Carlos Rodon, who is scheduled to make a potential final rehab start at Class AA Somerset on Thursday, the competition for starting roles intensifies. With Rodon recovering from elbow inflammation, the Yankees face a decision regarding their rotation, especially if all five starters are healthy. This situation could lead to either Weathers or fellow pitcher Will Warren being shifted to the bullpen.
“We haven’t really addressed it with the group yet,” Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake mentioned after Weathers helped the team secure a 4-1 victory against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. “Obviously, the natural guys to talk about are Ryan and Will, and we haven’t really gotten to that, as far as who it would be or when it would happen.”
Weathers has made a compelling argument to remain in the starting lineup, especially after showcasing his skills over his last three outings. His impressive streak of 22.2 consecutive scoreless innings came to an end when Randy Arozarena hit a home run in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game. Before that, the Yankees' offense struggled significantly against Mariners starter Bryan Woo, but they managed to rally against Seattle's bullpen, highlighted by two-run singles from Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham.
“Wish I could’ve thrown a few more strikes,” Weathers reflected after exiting the game with a no-decision after 5.2 innings and a pitch count of 106. His performance has been notable, particularly as he navigates a crowded starting lineup that includes more durable options like Warren, who has been consistent over the past two years.
Should Rodon return to the rotation following his rehab start, he is expected to have a limited pitch count of around 65, which could lead to a tandem start with either Weathers or Warren. The Yankees are looking to solidify their postseason rotation, potentially featuring Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Rodon.
Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt's return from Tommy John surgery has been delayed due to a recent forearm cramp, adding another layer of complexity to the Yankees' pitching strategy. Additionally, at Class A Hudson Valley, Luis Gil has begun his recovery from shoulder inflammation, throwing a scoreless inning in his latest appearance and emerging as a potential late-season bullpen option.
Blake acknowledged the challenges of transitioning either Weathers or Warren to a relief role, stating that while the idea hasn't been formally discussed, it remains a possibility. “It’s the balance of trying to win games at the major league level, but also preparing guys to handle a different role,” he explained. The Yankees are keen on maximizing their options as they head toward the postseason.
Weathers' evolution as a pitcher has been evident in his recent outings. He has notably reduced his reliance on the four-seam fastball, opting instead for a more diverse pitch mix, including an effective changeup. “I’ve been primarily a four-seam pitcher my whole career,” Weathers noted, expressing his desire to minimize home runs. “I have four other pitches that aren’t really getting hit into the seats.”
Manager Aaron Boone has praised Weathers for executing at a high level, even acknowledging the challenges he faced with an elevated pitch count during the game against Seattle. The Yankees are closely monitoring Weathers' workload, as he has already pitched 126.2 innings in 23 starts this season. Blake commented on Weathers' improved self-care routines and training, emphasizing the importance of managing his innings as the season progresses.
As the Yankees navigate their pitching options, Weathers' recent performances will play a crucial role in determining his future in the rotation. The team's strategy will be pivotal as they aim for a successful postseason run.
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