Luke Weaver’s Mariano Rivera-Like Dominance During Yankees' 2024 Playoff Run
Luke Weaver has taken center stage during the 2024 MLB postseason with an incredible run that echoes memories of Mariano Rivera's dominance. It's a comparison that seems almost sacrilegious to utter, given Rivera’s legendary career as the best closer in postseason history. Yet, Weaver’s performance over the past month has drawn justified comparisons, as his late-inning prowess has been nothing short of spectacular.
Weaver, a former journeyman starter, has completely transformed himself since taking over the closer role for the Yankees in September. His command and ability to stifle hitters have allowed him to replicate some of the magic Yankees fans once witnessed from Rivera. Weaver’s precise strike throwing and the movement on his pitches have given opposing batters little room to breathe, echoing Rivera’s efficiency. This newfound role has seemingly unlocked Weaver’s full potential, and he's become an essential cog in the Yankees’ success this postseason.
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Since being unofficially designated the Yankees' closer on September 6, Weaver has been nothing but reliable. In a month-long stretch that included the Division Series, Weaver has pitched 15 1/3 innings without surrendering an earned run. Even more impressive, he’s struck out 29 batters and allowed only three walks. During this period, left-handed hitters, often a nightmare for relievers, have gone just 2-for-23 against him—both hits being singles.
Weaver’s postseason run has solidified his role as the Yankees' anchor in the bullpen. In the ALDS against Kansas City, he recorded saves in all three victories and appeared in every game, striking out five batters and allowing only two singles. His calm under pressure, particularly in October’s high-stress moments, has been a defining feature of his rise. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake even remarked on Weaver’s "premium strike throwing" and ability to stay off the sweet spots of bats, a trait reminiscent of Rivera’s legendary control.
While Weaver may not yet have Rivera’s accolades or the sustained dominance across decades, what he’s doing now is undeniably special. His resurgence has helped re-shape the Yankees’ bullpen, bringing stability and confidence as the team inches closer to the World Series. Weaver’s ability to handle lefties, go beyond one inning, and maintain composure in critical situations has elevated him to the level of elite postseason closers.
Though it remains to be seen if Weaver can sustain this level of play, especially as the Yankees face tougher opponents in the ALCS and potentially the World Series, his performance thus far is something to be celebrated. Yankees fans, desperate for a reliable closer since Rivera’s retirement, may have found their unlikely hero in Luke Weaver—at least for now.
As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on Weaver to see if he can keep up this Rivera-like run. If he does, he might just write his own chapter in Yankees' postseason lore, creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
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