The New York Yankees were handed another injury blow.
New York saw left-handed starter Ryan Weathers leave his start on Saturday with an injury. It was a troubling sight for the Yankees, as Max Fried is already out with an injury.
When he left the game, Weathers felt like it wouldn’t be a long-term injury.
“I had a similar injury at the end of Spring Training last year with the Marlins,” Weathers said. “[Saturday’s] scans were less than what it was last year. [The doctor] said that the elbow looked really healthy. It’s almost not a Grade 1 strain; it’s very low grade. It’s more just irritated than anything.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, meanwhile, said he’s hopeful Weathers can pitch again this season for the Yankees.
“Hopefully, it’s on the shorter end of that (no-throw period), and we ramp him back up to be a factor for us by the end,” Boone said.
Weathers is 5-8 with a 3.60 ERA in 25 games this season with the Yankees.
Ryan Weathers Could Become a Reliever for Yankees
GettyRyan Weathers could be a reliever for the Yankees.
Although Weathers will be shut down for a bit, Boone believes Weathers can pitch for them again this season.
Yet, Boone believes it could be out of the bullpen, as he may not have enough time to build up to be a starter.
“Maybe,” Boone said about Weathers coming back as a reliever. “First things first is getting to the point where he’s in a position to start throwing, and then hopefully we’re able to build him up smoothly. He’s obviously an outstanding pitcher, so he can help us in some way.”
Weathers, meanwhile, said he’s open to any role as he just wants to get back and help the Yankees win.
“Hopefully get a good plan together and get back as quick as possible,’’ said Weathers.
New York acquired Weathers this offseason from the Miami Marlins.
New York Battling for Top Spot in AL East
The Yankees are coming off a series win over the Toronto Blue Jays at home over the weekend.
New York won on Sunday to take the series, and Boone was pleased to get a series win.
“There were a lot of contributions today to grab another series and head into the off-day the right way,” Boone said.
The Yankees cruised to an 8-3 win, as the team was led by Jazz Chisholm Jr. who could use Sunday’s win as a game to get back on track.
“It gets frustrating sometimes, but I have such great teammates in the clubhouse that I just keep my head on a swivel,” Chisholm said. “It just helps me to go on the field, forget about it and wipe it from my memory. I go and play defense the best that I can, go run the bases as best I can when I get on. It just reminds me of the talent I have and the things I’ve done before.”
The Yankees are 74-56 and 3 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot in the AL East.
Yankees Aaron Boone Drops Honest Quote on Ryan Weathers Injury