The New York Yankees have been dealt a major setback just as they were starting to build momentum in the 2025 MLB season.
Reliever Luke Weaver, who had been one of the team’s most reliable arms over the last two months, is expected to miss up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Weaver’s injury is especially painful for a bullpen that has seen its fair share of instability. Since rejoining the Yankees on April 27 and taking over the closer role from Devin Williams, Weaver had helped solidify late-game pitching for a team in search of consistency.
His absence has left a void-and it’s one that manager Aaron Boone has decided to fill with a familiar name.
Williams’ return to closer role sparks fan outcry
Boone confirmed that Devin Williams would resume closing duties in Weaver’s absence, a move that has caused a stir among Yankees fans on social media. While Williams arrived in New York with a strong résumé-including National League Reliever of the Year honors in Milwaukee-his transition to the Bronx hasn’t gone smoothly.
Earlier this season, Williams struggled in high-pressure situations, including a costly late-game meltdown against the Toronto Blue Jays that raised serious questions about his reliability. Boone had since moved away from using him in critical moments, making his reinstatement as closer all the more controversial.
Now, fans are voicing their concern-and in some cases, outright displeasure. One wrote, “Rather have cardiac Clay on the bump,” referring to former Yankee Clay Holmes, who was known for walking a tightrope in save situations before being dealt to the Mets.
Another posted, “Lord help us,” while others offered suggestions of their own: “Cruz should be the closer,” and “This could get ugly!”
Still, not all criticism has been speculative. A more pointed comment read, “If he blows multiple saves with Weaver gone, he better get fired.” Another fan seemed resigned to the chaos ahead, writing, “Buckle up boys it’s going to be a wild 4-6 weeks.”
Boone puts faith in a reliever searching for redemption
Despite the backlash, Boone is sticking to his guns. With limited options and an injury-depleted bullpen, he appears committed to giving Williams another opportunity to find his footing in the closer role.
And while Williams has struggled this season, his previous success in the National League offers a glimmer of hope that he can still turn things around.
The Yankees have leaned heavily on pitching to stay afloat during a challenging stretch of the season. But without Weaver and with Williams needing to rebuild confidence, the pressure will only intensify. Boone’s latest decision may be driven by necessity-but fans will be watching closely, and patience is in short supply.
Whether this stretch becomes a turning point for Williams or a costly gamble for Boone remains to be seen. Either way, the Yankees‘ bullpen just became the team’s biggest storyline heading into the next month of play.
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