Luke Weaver lauds Yanks big boppers, lockdown closer

May 21st, 2024

It’s a fun time to be inside the Yankees’ clubhouse right now. The Bronx Bombers entered Monday with a seven-game winning streak and a 33-15 record, the best mark in the American League.

One player who is soaking in the good times is veteran right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver. He arrived in New York last year once he was claimed off waivers from Seattle in September. After re-signing with the club on a one-year deal in January, Weaver, who posted a 5.14 ERA through his first eight big league seasons, has logged a 2.25 ERA and a 30-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 28 innings this year.

“There's a lot to be excited about,” Weaver said Monday on MLB Network Radio. “... It just feels really fun to get into the clubhouse every day and prepare with the expectation to win. That's a great feeling.”

Arguably, no players have helped the Yankees capture more wins this year than Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. The former is batting .311 with a .963 OPS in his first year in pinstripes while the latter was just named American League Player of the Week. Weaver talked about what it’s like to watch those two batting behemoths on a daily basis.

“Playing against Juan Soto for a while -- pretty impressive. But to see it up close puts things in perspective, and just a great dude all around as well," Weaver said.

“Judge as well. You're starting to see this man is hot as one can be, and that is another sight to see.”

Weaver also gave some love to the leader of the Yankees’ bullpen, Clay Holmes. The right-handed closer has been automatic for the Yanks as he has yet to give up an earned run through 20 appearances and is tied for the MLB lead with 13 saves.

“He's just a guy who humbly has, I guess, an aura to him,” Weaver said. “When it’s time, there's just a lock-down mode. There's something in his eyes. … His routine is just about as consistent as there ever will be.”

So what does Weaver think when he sees No. 35 head to the mound to close out another game for the Yankees?

“Let’s enjoy this,” he said.

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