Luke Weaver Reflects on Yankees Tenure After Mets Loss

In a matchup on Friday, the New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 5-2 at Citi Field. Mets reliever Luke Weaver reflected on his previous tenure with the Yankees, particularly his last experience facing Aaron Judge.

Weaver, who pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023, noted a moment of etiquette when Judge came to bat. “Aaron Judge was at the plate, and I was in a bit of a trying season, so I needed all the energy I could muster,” Weaver said.

Weaver and Judge were once teammates in the Cape Cod League, and Weaver described their interaction as light-hearted. “We had a laugh about it, and he made it a big deal, but in a light, kind-hearted way,” he stated.

Entering the game against the Yankees, Weaver had a 4.15 ERA in 17 appearances for the Mets this season. The Mets signed him to a two-year contract worth $20 million last winter after limited interest from the Yankees.

“There was some light communication, I think respectful communication and just like staying in touch,” Weaver said regarding the Yankees. “But I think they were wanting to go in a different direction, and so there wasn’t anything major in our discussions about returning.”

Weaver pitched to a 9.64 ERA last September, including two rough postseason outings in three appearances. Despite this, he expressed no ill feelings toward the Yankees for their decision to move on.

“I have a lot of great, fond memories,” Weaver said. He added, “For me individually down the stretch, it didn’t quite click the way it did the year before.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza is expected to utilize Huascar Brazobán in the opener’s role in Saturday’s game, with David Peterson in a bulk relief role. Brazobán previously served as the opener on Sunday in Arizona, allowing two earned runs over one inning.