Video summary
Ryan Weathers reflects on his scoreless start against Fine, attributing the victory to a strategic approach that kept pitches in play while executing effective sinkers down and away from right-handed hitters. He notes that opponents often lack chase swings or swing-and-miss rates, which allows him to rely on location rather than overpowering velocity. The success of this outing was significantly bolstered by exceptional defensive support behind the plate, as ground balls were converted into outs at a high rate due to strong fielding efforts from his teammates.
A key adjustment in Weathers' recent outings has been refining his pitch mix to reduce reliance on four-seam fastballs, which tend to be hit harder and leave the park more frequently. By focusing on pitches that stay within the ballpark, he aims to disrupt hitters' timing while selectively using his fastball only when specific lineup spots or situations warrant it. This evolution in strategy has helped him establish a solid rhythm with catcher Wely, allowing them to communicate effectively and maintain control throughout games without feeling pressure regarding their rotation status.
The spotlight also shines on George's impressive debut, highlighted by an athletic short stop play that Weathers initially underestimated due to the young player's surprising reach. Despite turning in multiple ground balls behind him, including a crucial double-play ball deep in the hole, George remained composed and confident from the start of his career. The dugout celebrated enthusiastically when George hit his first home run at Yankee Stadium, marking a memorable moment for both the rookie and his family that added extra sweetness to the achievement given the iconic venue.
Ultimately, Weathers emphasizes that every player on the roster shares the same singular goal: winning baseball games regardless of individual roles or potential future moves to the bullpen. He views pitching as simply fulfilling his job when handed the ball by Boon Joo Lee and stopping immediately upon receiving it back, without overthinking whether a start is an audition for longevity. The team's collective mindset focuses on execution in the present moment, trusting that if they play their roles well—whether through efficient strike throwing or dynamic defense—they will contribute to victory whenever called upon.
Read the full video transcript
Ryan, what do you feel it took to win
that battle with Fine in your last
batter of the night?
>> Yeah. Um, you know, he's a really good
hitter. He really puts the battle on the
ball. Um, doesn't have a lot of chase,
doesn't have a lot of swing and miss.
Um, so I was kind of in the situation
like I'm going to give him a pitch that
can stay in the ballpark and uh execute
a good sinker down away and I just ran
off the barrel enough to, you know, fly
out to left.
>> What do you feel has been more efficient
with your strike throwing these last
couple of outings? Um, I think just the
the pitch mix has been really solid. I
think me and Wely have kind of
established a good rhythm together. Um,
obviously tonight the defense played
phenomenal behind me. U, you know, we
just got the ball on the ground a lot
and um, I think ground balls are kind
of, you know, getting a lot of those
outs and uh, yeah, just hope to keep
doing it.
>> What was your short stops play on those
ground balls?
>> Oh, it was great. Uh, George is a good
player. Um, you know, he had a great
debut night. You know, took it by storm.
you know, he didn't look nervous out
there at all. So, really proud for him,
proud for his family, and um yeah,
hopefully he catches a lot more ground
balls behind me.
>> You mentioned the pitch mix. You're
throwing fewer four seamers. Just what's
gone into that decision?
>> Uh I mean, the other pitches stay in the
ballpark. Um so, the four seamers been
known to, you know, get hit a little bit
harder. I think now just kind of uh
knowing the lineup, establishing
pitches, and uh you know, picking spots
when we can throw the fouramer. For
sure. prime with some starters coming
back kind of nearing a point where they
might have to move on to the bullpen. Do
you would you welcome that or or do you
kind of look at each start as like an
audition to to stay in the rotation?
>> Um I think in this locker room we're all
in the same ballpark of like if that's
what my job is and that helps us win
ball games. I mean we all have the same
end goal. Um so if that happens and it
happens if it doesn't it doesn't. My job
is um when Boon hands me the ball that's
when I'm supposed to go pitch and when
he takes it out of my hand that's when
I'm done pitching. And um yeah, I mean I
we're just we're in this to win ball
games.
>> What was your impression on that first
double play ball that George turned in
the hole? Oh,
>> it was great. Super athletic. I didn't
realize he was that long. I mean, his
his reach for that ball, it was it was a
really far reach. Um so, like I said,
he's a really good player and uh looking
forward to continue watching him play.
>> What's the feeling in the dugout when he
homers?
>> Oh, it was great. Um you know, you're
just happy for the guy. you know, all of
us that have been here, you get one
debut. And uh for him, like I said, for
him and his family, like that's a cool
moment. Obviously, getting to do it in
the pinstripes at home uh makes it even
sweeter. So, uh yeah, like I said, he's
a really good player.