ST LOUIS — After jumping out to what seemed like a commanding 4-1 lead after six innings against the Cardinals last night, the Yankees had some struggles out of the bullpen in the seventh inning by Camilo Doval.

Doval came to the Yankees in a trade at the deadline with the Giants, and since joining the Yankees, he has allowed at least one run in three of his seven outings with the Yankees, and he has failed to get through an inning in three outings as well — all three he surrendered runs in. It was not like Doval pitched bad or got knocked around, but he walked a batter with one out and up 1-2 in the count to Padro Pages, he hit him on the elbow, leading to an RBI double and another run on a wild pitch by Weaver.

Doval has good stuff — and that has been true for most of his career, but his command is all over the place. If there is something the Yankees pitching department can fix with relievers, it’s their command. We have seen them do it with so many pitchers in the past and Doval has “really good stuff, it’s just finding that last bit of execution” to point out a redundant Aaron Boone quote. I also think that the Yankees have Doval in the right spot, pitching the seventh inning because if he gets into trouble — like last night — Luke Weaver is the next option to come in and save the day like he does 9/10 times.

Luke Weaver’s post-All-Star break performance has been nothing short of dominant, emerging as one of the Yankees’ most reliable arms out of the bullpen. In 13 appearances since the Midsummer Classic, Weaver has logged 14.1 innings with a sparkling 1.88 ERA and a minuscule 0.70 WHIP, showcasing elite command and efficiency. Over that span, he has struck out 15 batters while issuing just four walks, surrendering only six hits and a single home run.

What makes Weaver’s run even more impressive is the way he has limited hard contact, keeping opposing hitters off balance with a precise mix of fastballs, cutters, and his trademark changeup. The right-hander has thrived in high-leverage spots, often bridging the gap to the Yankees’ late-inning arms while keeping tight games under control. His ability to attack the strike zone early in counts has helped him work efficiently, averaging just over one baserunner every two innings since the break.

For a bullpen that has faced its share of ups and downs in 2025, Weaver’s consistency has been a stabilizing force. If he continues this level of production, he could cement himself as a key weapon for the Yankees in their push toward October.

David Bednar has fully cemented himself has the closer for the New York Yankees. While you can only make one first impression — and his was not a great one — he has posted a 0.00 ERA since the opening game in Miami and is a breath of fresh air coming out of that bullpen in the ninth inning. It’s a really cool concept the Yankees found in having a closer who can strike guys out more than he allows balls in play. Benar has shown a lot of confidence and grit since coming to New York, something essential for a postseason run.

The late-inning combination of Doval, Weaver and Bednar is going to be special for the Yankees going down the stretch, as all three have the stuff to make games six innings, now it’s on the starters and the offense to get the game to the big 3 in the ‘Pen.

(Top Image Credit: Yankees on X)