Yankees place pitcher on IL before Astros clash

Although the New York Yankees continue to carry a low team batting average, which has been a recurring problem in their postseason trips, they might be able to offset that statistic with first-rate pitching. The American League leaders have been seeing the ball well lately, but it is their dominance on the mound that should have fans feeling particularly upbeat. Ryan Weathers could become the X-factor of the staff, and he is rejoining the club as a new father.

New York (17-9) reinstated the left-hander from the paternity list ahead of Saturday night’s face-off with the Houston Astros (10-17), per the team’s public relations department. Right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli will go on the 15-day injured list with shoulder discomfort after logging 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals last Sunday.

Weathers will take the mound versus the Astros, as the Yankees try to extend their seven-game winning streak. The 26-year-old, whom general manager Brian Cashman acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins during the offseason, is coming off a stellar start that saw him give up just five hits while striking out eight batters in 7 1/3 scoreless innings vs. the Royals. He has a 3.18 ERA with 36 Ks, a 1.235 WHIP and .716 OPS against.

If the former top-10 draft pick can stay healthy and consistent, which has eluded him to this point of his career, he could become an incredibly valuable member of this team. Ryan Weathers will bring his fatherly joy to Daikin Park on Saturday evening. The action is set to begin at 7:10 p.m. ET.