Yankees' Ryan Weathers flashes heat in first live batting practice

But the pitcher has to clear a key hurdle to be available for the start of the season

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Ryan Weathers, a newly acquired left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, impressed in his first live batting practice of spring training, regularly hitting 97-98 mph with his fastball. However, Weathers has struggled with injuries in the past, missing time last season due to a lat strain and a flexor muscle strain. The Yankees are focused on carefully building him up to have him available for the start of the season, when he will try to help fill in for injured starters Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt.

Why it matters

Weathers' ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level will be crucial for the Yankees, who are dealing with injuries to several key starting pitchers. His impressive velocity in live batting practice suggests he could be a valuable addition to the rotation if he can avoid the injury issues that plagued him in the past.

The details

In his first live batting practice session, Weathers threw two simulated innings and about 35 pitches, averaging 96.9 mph on his fastball. This is unusually high velocity for mid-February, but Weathers said that has been the norm for him in recent springs. The Yankees are focused on carefully building Weathers up to have him available for the start of the season, when he will try to help hold the fort down in the absence of injured starters Rodón, Cole, and Schmidt. Weathers has also been working on developing a new two-seam fastball to give him another weapon against left-handed hitters.

  • Weathers threw his first live batting practice on February 15, 2026.

The players

Ryan Weathers

A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher who was recently acquired by the New York Yankees. He impressed in his first live batting practice session, regularly hitting 97-98 mph with his fastball.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who expressed excitement about Weathers and said the team believes they can help take his game to another level if he can stay healthy.

Carlos Rodón

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is currently injured and will miss the start of the season.

Gerrit Cole

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is currently injured and will miss the start of the season.

Clarke Schmidt

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is currently injured and will miss the start of the season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel like I'm trying to throw hard, so I think my delivery's just in a good spot right now. I think everything's connecting really well. Hopefully I keep throwing like that.”

— Ryan Weathers (nypost.com)

“I continue to be excited about him. I think he's in a really good spot for us.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to carefully monitor Weathers' progress and build him up to be available for the start of the season, when he will try to help fill in for the injured Rodón, Cole, and Schmidt.

The takeaway

Weathers' impressive velocity in his first live batting practice session is a positive sign, but the key will be whether he can stay healthy and avoid the injury issues that have plagued him in the past. If he can do that, he could be a valuable addition to the Yankees' rotation as they deal with injuries to several key starters.