Yankees' Ryan Weathers is throwing 98 mph but focusing on health

At Yankees spring training Ryan Weathers touched 98.5 mph in live batting practice and says his primary focus is staying healthy after a string of arm and lat issues.

Ryan Weathers is at Yankees spring training and has been emphasizing health work as he prepares for the season. Before throwing he often hangs from a metal bar to lengthen his lats, a movement he picked up with help from the team's training staff. He showed velocity in live batting practice, touching 98.5 mph, and faced several Yankees hitters. The Yankees acquired Weathers from the Miami Marlins on Jan. 13 and expect him to help the starting rotation while some established starters recover. Key details: - Threw a 98.5 mph four-seam fastball in a live batting practice and showed an effective changeup. - Faced several Yankees hitters in the workout and struck out Aaron Judge once. - Was acquired from the Miami Marlins on Jan. 13 in exchange for four mid-level prospects. - Has not exceeded 94 2/3 innings in a major-league season; last reached that mark in 2021. - Missed time with a left index finger strain in 2024 and a left forearm and left lat strain in 2025. - The Yankees are missing Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt early in the season, and expect Weathers to help cover the rotation until those pitchers return. Summary: Weathers is showing early-season velocity while concentrating on mobility, prep work and recovery to address recurring soft-tissue issues. The team views him as part of the rotation depth while Rodón, Cole and Schmidt recover, with reported timelines of May for Rodón, around June 1 as a hoped-for target for Cole, and a return for Schmidt expected in the second half. Continued availability will shape his role as the season begins.