Ryan Weathers made his first appearance for the New York Yankees in spring training, delivering a strong performance against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The left-handed pitcher, acquired from the Miami Marlins in January, struck out five batters over 3 2/3 innings and allowed no runs in a 7-0 victory.
Weathers responded to an early scare—a line drive by C.J. Abrams that grazed his glove—by dominating the rest of the outing. His fastball reached up to 99.8 mph as he threw 32 strikes out of 49 pitches. Originally scheduled for three innings, Weathers was efficient enough to face two additional batters in the fourth inning.
“I felt really good,” Weathers said. “I feel like the command is starting to get back to where I used to be, and I came out feeling healthy. Anytime I can stay healthy after pitching, that’s a good day for me.”
Weathers pitched with his father, former Major League player David Weathers, watching from the stands. He noted that not seeing velocity readings on the scoreboard helped him focus on pitching rather than speed: “I love to look at that stuff,” he said. “Tonight, it just made me pitch and not worry about it. I think that’s why I was able to locate better and get ahead in the count.”
He credited pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Max Fried as influences this spring: “They’ve really helped me just simplify the game and trust my stuff over the heart of the plate,” Weathers said. “In this league, you have to pitch to contact. Tonight, I just trusted my stuff over the heart of the plate. I think that’s where all of us as pitchers can do really well.”
Manager Aaron Boone praised both Weathers’ athleticism and ability: “He’s got great stuff, obviously, but watching him move around – he’s a good athlete,” Boone said. “I think that’s something that’s stood out to me a little bit. He seems to be fitting in real well. And hopefully, he thrives here.”
Infielder George Lombard Jr., ranked No. 32 among baseball prospects by MLB Pipeline, also drew attention during Wednesday’s game with both defensive skill and hitting power in the fifth inning. Lombard made a barehanded play at third base before hitting a two-run double off former Yankee Clayton Beeter.
“I take pride in being a baseball player, not just a shortstop,” Lombard told YES Network. “I feel like I can go out there and play all over the place.” Boone commented on Lombard’s defense: “First, you’ve got to stick it with the bare hand…that’s a low-percentage play that not a ton of guys are making.” On his offense: “There’s a lot to like about him,” Boone added.
Pitcher Cam Schlittler returned from injury concerns earlier in camp by throwing 25 pitches against several hitters during live batting practice on Wednesday. Boone indicated optimism about Schlittler’s readiness for Opening Day but acknowledged he may need time before reaching full workload: “I’ll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler,” Boone said.
The Yankees will continue their spring schedule Thursday when Elmer Rodríguez takes the mound against Atlanta.
