Yankees Star Reflects Honestly After Costly Error in Mets Subway Series Opener

The New York Yankees’ season has taken a troubling turn, with the team’s struggles showing no sign of abating. Fresh off a disheartening sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees entered their Subway Series matchup against the New York Mets hoping for a fresh start and a much-needed boost in morale. Instead, they were met with more disappointment, continuing a troubling trend that now threatens to derail their playoff aspirations.

At the center of the growing concerns is relief pitcher Luke Weaver, whose recent performances have become a focal point amid the team's broader bullpen woes. In the series opener against the Mets, Weaver surrendered a crucial two-run homer to Jeff McNeil in the seventh inning after walking Juan Soto—blows that proved pivotal in the game’s outcome. It was yet another costly moment in what has been a frustrating stretch for the right-hander since returning from injury.

Weaver, who made his comeback on June 20 following a hamstring strain, admitted he’s struggling to find his footing. “I’ll be very raw and honest that I do feel slightly fazed right now, personally. I said I’ve been feeling good—that just might be a lie now, I don’t know. It’s hard to make sense of what’s going on,” he candidly confessed after Friday’s loss.

His frustration is understandable when looking at the numbers. Before the injury, Weaver was lights out, posting a 1.05 ERA while allowing only two home runs over 25.2 innings. However, since returning, he’s given up four homers in seven appearances, including one in each of his last three outings. His ERA has climbed to 3.19, and he’s been charged with eight earned runs during this span alone.

It’s not just Weaver, though. The entire Yankees bullpen has been under fire, especially in high-leverage situations. Since June 15, the unit has posted a 4.95 ERA—the sixth-worst mark in baseball during that period. Key contributors like Fernando Cruz and Jonathan Loaisiga have missed time due to injuries, forcing manager Aaron Boone to overextend other relievers.

Even pitchers who had recently found some stability have faltered when needed most. Ian Hamilton, for example, had allowed just one unearned run over his previous eight outings before coughing up a solo home run to Brett Baty in the sixth inning of the Mets game—a blast that cut the lead and energized the opposition.

With the trade deadline fast approaching on July 31, it’s becoming increasingly evident that the Yankees must bolster their relief corps if they hope to contend. While the team ranks among the league leaders in runs scored (445, fifth) and home runs (131, second), its 3.72 ERA places them only tenth overall. That number masks deeper issues within the bullpen, which could prove fatal in October should they fail to address them.

The stakes are clear: without significant reinforcements, the Yankees' season may slip further into jeopardy. A strong rotation and potent offense can carry a team far, but history shows that deep playoff runs often hinge on reliable late-inning arms. For a franchise with championship aspirations, the clock is ticking—and the bullpen remains the biggest question mark heading into the second half.