Closer Role In Question As Luke Weaver Nears Yankees Return

“I love the way Devin (Williams) is throwing the ball right now,” Boone told reporters before Tuesday's loss.  “And I’m just looking forward to getting another hammer back in [the bullpen] and we’ll figure out what makes the most sense.”

That may be true—or it may be Boone holding his cards until Weaver is officially back. Either way, it’s clear the Yankees are weighing their late-inning options carefully.

Weaver has filled a variety of roles in his career, but since taking over ninth-inning duties for New York earlier this season, he stabilized the bullpen. Devin Williams, who opened the year as the closer, was removed from that role in late April but has shown signs of resurgence.

Boone’s refusal to commit one way or another leaves speculation open. 

The Yankees made the trade for Williams, expecting him to slam the door on games this season. That is certainly Williams' expectations as he heads to free agency this winter. A closer earns a bigger contract than a setup man. 

Weaver, however, has twice stepped into the role to bail out the Yankees. Last postseason, he took over closing when Clay Holmes stumbled. He stepped up again when Williams couldn't handle the pressure early on. 

Yankees fans have made their preference clear, but Boone will not. 

Weaver’s quick recovery has given the Yankees some much-needed optimism. “From his being able to kind of maintain his throwing program, he’s already got three sides in and the live… he really looks good,” Boone said.

Now the Yankees will have to decide how best to use Weaver. And Williams. 

 With the team in the midst of a rough stretch and bullpen innings piling up, the return of a healthy and effective Weaver might be more important than who gets the final out.