Joe Girardi, the former manager of the Marlins, Yankees, and Phillies, made a notable prediction during a recent YES Network broadcast. Just moments before reliever Luke Weaver allowed a critical home run, Girardi hinted at the challenges Weaver might face after returning from a lengthy absence due to injury. This prediction became a reality in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 5-3 loss to the Orioles on Friday night.
Weaver had been impressive before his injury, giving up only three runs in his first 24 appearances of the season. However, in his first game back after 17 days on the injured list due to a strained left hamstring, he struggled. Girardi commented on the difficulty of easing a pitcher back into action when the game is on the line, saying, “When a guy doesn’t pitch for 17 days, you preferably try to give him a little bit of a softer landing. But you can’t afford to because of the score of the game.” Unfortunately for the Yankees, Weaver’s return did not go as hoped, as he quickly surrendered a go-ahead homer to Ramon Urias, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Orioles.
Weaver’s performance continued to decline in that inning. After allowing the home run, he gave up a hit and a walk, leaving two runners on base for Tim Hill, who then allowed an RBI single, further inflating Weaver’s numbers. Weaver ended the night with an ERA of 1.71 after throwing 14 of his 24 pitches for strikes.
The Yankees had been relying on Weaver and fellow reliever Devin Williams to close out games. Williams had initially been the primary closer but struggled early in the season, allowing Weaver to step into the role. Although Weaver’s absence was shorter than expected, his return did not provide the expected boost for the Yankees.
Manager Aaron Boone plans to continue using both pitchers in closing situations, hoping to stabilize the bullpen as the season progresses. Girardi, known for his effective bullpen management during his time with the Yankees, will likely have fans wondering if his foresight could have altered the outcome of this game.