David Ortiz Sends Unexpected Message to Yankees Reliever
In a surprising display of sportsmanship, David Ortiz, the legendary Boston Red Sox player, offered encouragement to New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver. Known for his historic rivalry with the Yankees, Ortiz set aside personal allegiances to support a fellow athlete during a challenging time.
David Ortiz’s Support for Luke Weaver
Luke Weaver, who has been a significant part of the Yankees’ bullpen this season, recorded a 4-4 win-loss record along with eight saves in 64 appearances. He achieved a 3.62 ERA and struck out 72 batters, making him one of the team’s key pitchers. However, Weaver has struggled in the postseason, facing difficulties in key matches.
Postseason Struggles
In the Wild Card Series opener against the Red Sox, Weaver’s performance was disappointing. He failed to secure an out, allowing all three batters to reach base while two scored. His woes continued in Game 1 of the Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, as he again struggled to retire batters, surrendering two hits and a walk, with all three runners crossing home plate.
Weaver’s Optimism
- Weaver remains hopeful, stating, “I feel like I’m close. I feel like I’m competitive.”
- He believes his past performances were solid but acknowledges the need for adjustments moving forward.
Ortiz’s Advice
During a segment on Fox Sports MLB, Ortiz commented on Weaver’s situation. He advised Weaver to focus on future challenges rather than past events. “He got good stuff. But sometimes you kind of have to let it go,” Ortiz said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the same competitive mentality that helped Weaver succeed during the regular season.
If Ortiz could talk to Weaver directly, he stated, “I’d tell him, ‘Whatever happened today is not going to help us tomorrow.’” He encouraged Weaver to embrace a mindset that will aid the Yankees in their quest for a World Series title.
Upcoming Games
The Yankees faced a 10-1 defeat in their opening Division Series game against the Blue Jays. The second game is set for Sunday, featuring starting pitchers Max Fried and Trey Yesavage.
