The New York Yankees are edging closer to regaining full strength as relief pitcher Luke Weaver makes significant progress in his recovery. Weaver, sidelined since May 31 due to a hamstring strain, recently completed a bullpen session that he described as great, signaling encouraging signs of his return. This development comes as the Yankees continue to perform strongly, having won seven of their last ten games and currently leading the American League East by four-and-a-half games over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Despite missing key players like slugger Giancarlo Stanton and closer Luke Weaver, the Yankees maintain a competitive edge, holding one of the best records in the American League behind only the Detroit Tigers by a slim margin. Their resilience underscores the importance of Weaver’s near return to the bullpen.

Timeline and Details of Weaver’s Injury and Treatment

Luke Weaver last appeared in a major league game at Dodger Stadium on May 31, before being sidelined by a hamstring injury that prevented him from pitching in the Yankees’ series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Early reports indicated a hamstring strain with an expected absence of four to six weeks, after which he was placed on the injured list on June 3. This timeline suggested Weaver might not return until after the All-Star break.

However, Weaver’s recovery accelerated following a platelet-rich plasma injection the previous week, enabling him to resume throwing sessions. His bullpen workout on Wednesday marked his second since going on the injured list, indicating measurable progress.

Since joining the Yankees in 2024, Weaver has become a vital part of their pitching staff. In 24 games this season, he has recorded a 1-1 win-loss record, a remarkable 1.05 ERA, and eight saves. He played a critical role in stabilizing New York’s bullpen while Devin Williams initially struggled but then regained form by allowing just one earned run in nearly five innings and securing four saves since June 1.

Weaver began the season primarily as the eighth-inning reliever but swiftly took over closer duties—a role he performed throughout the 2024 playoffs—allowing only three earned runs across 25 2/3 innings, showcasing his effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

Current Status of the Yankees’ Overall Roster Health

The Yankees have managed a 7-3 record without Weaver, a testament to their depth and resilience. Nevertheless, his impending return will solidify the bullpen and provide much-needed stability. Along with Weaver, the Yankees look forward to welcoming other key starters back soon.

Giancarlo Stanton is expected to return this weekend after missing the entire season due to tendinitis in both elbows. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman also advanced in his rehab, pitching in a Double-A game for the Somerset team this week. Stroman threw 46 pitches, striking out four while permitting only one earned run over 3 1/3 innings, illustrating positive momentum in his recovery from knee inflammation, an injury that sidelined him from April 12.

Stroman anticipates one more rehab outing before rejoining the Yankees’ major league roster in late June or early July, barring any setbacks.

It felt good, man, just to be at a point where it’s just free and easy, not really thinking about my knee or body or mechanics or anything,

Stroman told MLB.com.

Yeah, it just felt really good to be back.

—Marcus Stroman, Yankees pitcher

Anticipating the Impact of Returning Key Players

Luke Weaver is expected to be the final key component among these injured players to rejoin the Yankees this season. While unforeseen injuries could still occur, the Yankees’ current position as the team with the third-best record in baseball bodes well for their prospects going forward. With Weaver, Stanton, and Stroman nearing full strength, New York is poised to enhance its roster depth and competitiveness in the stretch run.

The return of these players should reinforce the bullpen and starting rotation, creating opportunities for the Yankees to maintain their leading spot in the American League East and make a deeper playoff push. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team’s health improves, eager to see how this impacts their performance in the coming weeks.