New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has hinted at a potential move coming on the team's pitching staff that could certainly alter things.
The New York Yankees' pitching staff has certainly been a major positive for the team thus far, although the bullpen has been a bit shaky.
David Bednar hasn't exactly been lockdown in the closer role, and guys like Camilo Doval and Jake Bird haven't inspired a ton of confidence in the later innings, either.
The good news is that reinforcements are likely on the way, and they could come from the Yankees' own starting rotation.
With Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole both slated to return soon, New York will likely have to move one of its starters to the bullpen (Elmer Rodriguez will likely head back down to the minor leagues), and it will probably be Ryan Weathers.
When asked about it, manager Aaron Boone played it coy, but there was no mistaking his attempt at diplomacy.
“That’s down the road,” Boone said. “If we have to make a decision that’s difficult at some point, we’ll do that. There’s nothing imminent to make a decision. The game will make it for you a lot of times.”
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone takes the ball from pitcher Ryan Weathers. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.In other words, Weathers is primed to head to the bullpen, and it could be the best thing that could happen to both Weathers and the Yanks.
Why? Because Weathers has turned into quite the strikeout artist, averaging 10.5 punchouts per nine innings this season. He is also walking just 2.3 batters per nine frames, which is a terrific recipe for relief success.
Weathers owns a 3.03 ERA across seven starts, so he has been quite successful in the rotation. But once Cole and Rodon are back, someone will have to be the odd man out, and it will almost certainly be Weathers.
After all, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler and Will Warren comprise the rest of New York's rotation, and none of them are being moved. Weathers is the least proven of the group, so he should already be preparing for a trip to the bullpen.
Fortunately, Weathers' stuff should play very well in a relief role, as he touches 97 mph with his fastball and might even be able to increase that velocity as a reliever.
The Yankees traded four prospects to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Weathers back in January, so they paid a steep price to acquire him. It's only right that they find the perfect role for him, and turning him into a high-leverage reliever could be it.
Who knows? Weathers could potentially steal Bednar's job down the line, and his presence in the bullpen should work wonders for New York.
Yankees Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Yankees. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.