Luke Weaver Struggles in Yankees’ 7-0 Loss to Twins

MINNEAPOLIS — Luke Weaver’s performance on Monday night was a pivotal point for the New York Yankees, albeit not the kind they hoped for. After a dismal outing where he allowed five runs while recording just one out in the seventh inning, the Yankees fell to the Minnesota Twins 7-0.

Weaver’s Self-Critique

Weaver was candid about his performance, stating, “That was trash.” His disappointment was palpable, especially following a previous outing against the Boston Red Sox, where he delivered two critical strikeouts, showcasing flashes of his potential.

Recent Performance Insights

Weaver has faced challenges in recent appearances, surrendering at least one run in four of his last six outings. His struggle to regain consistency is imperative as the postseason approaches, and this latest game certainly didn’t help his case.

• In Monday’s Game:
  • 5 runs allowed
  • Only 1 out recorded
  • 3 hits and 2 walks permitted

Mechanical Misalignment

The source of Weaver’s woes this time appeared to stem from mechanical issues. “The body just wasn’t on time,” he explained. “It wasn’t aligned with what I was trying to execute.” This misalignment left him feeling like he was "fighting" against himself during his appearance.

• Weaver Clarifies:
  • No pain was felt physically, but he admitted to a lack of synchronization in his movements.
  • “Those things happen,” he noted, but acknowledged the necessity to overcome these struggles.

Honoring Roberto Clemente

In a more positive light, Carlos Rodón was announced as the Yankees’ nominee for the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award, celebrating his charitable work with his wife Ashley’s foundation, which supports couples facing infertility and pregnancy loss.

A Day of Tribute

On Roberto Clemente Day, Rodón joined fellow Yankees, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, in wearing the No. 21 jersey to honor the baseball legend, who was revered for both his exceptional skills on the field and philanthropic efforts off it.

• Rodón remarked:
  “It’s definitely a big honor. Roberto was quite the ambassador for baseball.”

David Bednar, another player honoring Clemente, suggested that “it’s time to retire 21 league-wide,” emphasizing Clemente’s profound impact on the sport.

Team Adjustments

Following an extensive run as a starter, Ben Rice took a brief hiatus from the lineup before pinch-hitting and catching an inning late in the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Rice’s heavy workload, especially in the critical late-season stretch.

Aaron Judge Shines

In a celebrated moment for the franchise, Aaron Judge was named the American League Player of the Week, hitting an impressive .450 with five home runs over six games. This marked another high point for the Yankees despite the team’s overall struggles.

Conclusion

Despite Luke Weaver’s rough outing and the team’s loss, the Yankees are navigating through a season marked by both challenges and noteworthy achievements. As they prepare for the playoffs, addressing the mechanical issues affecting their pitchers will be crucial for their success.