The Yankees are walking a thin line in the playoff race, where every mistake is magnified. That is why Luke Weaver’s seventh-inning decline on 15th September against the Twins has easily frustrated the fans. That night’s close contest became a lopsided 7-0 loss for the Yankees, and it left the fans and analysts questioning whether the pitcher can be trusted in upcoming high-leverage games.

For Luke Weaver, the night unraveled quickly. He was asked to hold the line; however, Weaver allowed five runs and recorded just one out, and that sealed the Yankees’ fate. This was not the first time Weaver has failed to deliver; he’s been tagged for runs in four of his last six outings. At this point of the season, when every team is battling for every win, the Yankees can not afford such a shaky performance, specifically from a veteran who has been counted on to stabilize the bullpen.

And the analysts are not holding back with their criticism of his recent performances. On Talkin’ Yanks, Michael O’Brien said, “I go first, and I will be giving it to Luke Weaver. No kind of a situation where anyone’s going to yell at my son, it’s going to be me. Although he’s not my son, I’m just a fan of his. But he allowed five runs and only got one out. Wasn’t good.” This sums up the pulse of all the fans, who are aware of his commitment to the cause, but that has failed to mask his recent poor form.

Weaver himself took the criticism to the chin, “That was trash,” the star said after the loss. “The body just wasn’t on time. It wasn’t aligned with what I was trying to execute and do. I felt like I was fighting myself the whole time. Mentally, I was just trying to overcome it, have a good mindset and stay within myself. Those two things just weren’t coming together… it’s just inexcusable.” Weaver’s honesty resonated; however, it also highlighted just how big the gap is between what the team needs and what the Yankees are getting.

The broader question now is whether Aaron Boone can afford to keep using Weaver in important moments. Every September inning feels like October, and one bad outing could define a series, or even a season. As Jake Storiale added, “All of Luke Weaver is kind of must-watch the rest of the way.” The Yankees do not just need him to bounce back; they need him to erase the memory of Monday night before the postseason door slams.

But while fanbase and analysts are quick to label Weaver the fall guy, the Yankees are not turning their back on him just yet.

Carlos Rodón stands firm behind Weaver despite alarming setback

Carlos Rodón provided a different perspective after Weaver’s terrible outing. Rather than pile on his misery, he emphasized the positives in Weaver’s arsenal. “Good fastball,” Rodón told reporters via NJ.com’s Max Goodman, later adding, “The stuff is there. Good life. The profile is good, and the changeup is good. Cutter is good. I mean, it’s just going out there and competing and just kind of turning the page from (Monday). Next time he goes out there, puts up a zero.” His words showed both support for a struggling team member and the seriousness of the situation.

Carlos Rodón’s faith is notable because the Yankees have few trustworthy bullpen substitutes. David Bednar has grabbed the closer role, and Devin Williams looms as a setup alternative, but beyond that, question marks remain. Weaver’s velocity and mechanics are not far off, and the Yankees know they will likely require him in big innings in the home stretch. Even if his ERA has crawled toward 4.00, the team does not have the luxury of giving up on him. Instead, they are betting on his ability to rebound swiftly, because the postseason is approaching fast, and New York’s margin for error is wafer-thin.

The Yankees can not afford many more ups and downs, and Luke Weaver’s role could prove decisive in the coming weeks. Whether he rebounds or unravels may shape New York’s postseason ultimate fate. Fans know the clock is ticking. Do you still trust Weaver to deliver when the October pressure strike? Share your thoughts in the comments.