The New York Yankees look to close out the series against the Texas Rangers on Thursday afternoon in Arlington.
On Tuesday, the Yankees won 7-4, but Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers shut down the red hot Yankees’ bats in a 6-1 victory on Wednesday.
New York’s starting pitching has been the most dominant in baseball through this first stretch of 2026, they’re second in the majors with a 2.98 ERA. Carlos Rodón is slated to make his season debut Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, and Gerrit Cole is expected to join the rotation in late May.
However, heading into the series finale against the Rangers, the Yankees are sitting one of their most dominant arms.
Getty
New York Yankees’ Ryan Weathers to Miss Start vs. Rangers Due to Illness
On Wednesday evening after the conclusion of the Yankees 6-1 loss against the Texas Rangers, manager Aaron Boone announced that pitcher Ryan Weathers will not start on Thursday.
Boone revealed that Weathers was sick all week, and instead will get the start on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Tomorrow’s starter is TBD
Weathers spoke to the media about his illness claiming he ran a 102 degree fever and lost nine pounds.
“I pitched, then went home and pretty much threw my guts out for several hours,” Weathers said. “I thought I just had food poisoning, but woke up the next day and was running a 102 [degree] temp. I was just pretty much bedridden for a couple of days.”
Weathers, 26, is having an incredible first season in the Bronx. Through seven games, he has a 3.03 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and a 1.19 WHIP.
The Yankees acquired Weathers in January from the Miami Marlins in exchange for four minor league pitchers.
With the Marlins in 2025, Weathers’ season was shortened due to left lat strain. He only made eight starts and posted a 3.99 ERA.
More MLB on Heavy: Mets Gain Attention on Social Media After Carlos Correa Injury News
Getty
Paul Blackburn to Take Ryan Weathers’ Place On Thursday
Although Aaron Boone initially did not announce a starter to take Ryan Weathers’ place against the Rangers, the Yankees shortly revealed that relief pitcher Paul Blackburn will be taking the hill in the series finale.
Blackburn’s start will likely be a short one, as the relief pitcher has a season-high of three innings pitched in one game. Expect the Yankees to turn to the bullpen against the Yankees.
After 10 seasons in the major leagues, Blackburn is having one the best of his career with the Yankees.
The right-handed pitcher is 1-1 in nine games and 14 innings. He’s recorded nine strikeouts, given up four walks, and has a 3.21 ERA.
More MLB on Heavy: Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Tyler Glasnow Injury During Astros Game
Getty
New York Yankees Lead the AL East
The New York Yankees are 25-12, and are 16 of their last 18 games. Despite their dominating performance the last month, they only lead the American League East by half a game.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been just as hot. They are 12 of their last 13 games and just closed out a series sweep against AL East foe, the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Rays and Yankees have yet to meet in 2026.
On May 22, the Rays make their way to the Bronx for the first series of the season between the first and second-place teams.
New York Yankees Announce Ryan Weathers News Ahead Of Rangers Game