Yankees surprisingly promote former top draft pick in wake of Ryan Weathers situation

After Wednesday night's loss to the Texas Rangers, Aaron Boone revealed the New York Yankees would be down a pitcher for the series finale. Ryan Weathers had been dealing with an illness all week and wouldn't be making his scheduled start on Thursday.

Soon after, Paul Blackburn was named the starter for the matinee affair. Then, on Thursday morning, the Yankees made a surprise promotion. No. 21 prospect Brendan Beck, who was the team's second-round draft selection in 2021, was called up to the big league roster.

Hopes were high for Beck after he was drafted out of Stanford, but injuries have plagued him. He missed the entire 2022 and 2024 seasons, and only made 10 starts in 2023. Ever since, he's delivered mixed results, with largely unimpressive numbers at Triple-A.

He owns a 4.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in his 22 starts at the level. He's recorded 108 strikeouts in his 114 innings of work. He sports impressive control and command, but he operates with lesser velocity (his fastball tops out at 94 MPH). It's not the worst thing in the world, but he's proven to be hittable.

Whatever the case, after multiple serious injuries, 43 games in the minor leagues, and one appearance in the World Baseball Classic for Great Britain (four scoreless innings!), his Yankees debut is likely coming on Thursday.

Brendan Beck will get chance to pitch for Yankees before Carlos Rodón activation

If you remember, Beck's hype peaked during the College World Series in 2021, when he struck out 13 Texas Tech hitters in 106-degree heat. That year, he finished with 143 strikeouts and was named the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year.

Unfortunately, he underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after landing with the Yankees, and he dealt with complications as a result of the procedure that severely limited him. But he's pitched the most consistently (34 games) over the past two years than he has since his college days. The time is now for the right-hander to make an impressive after the long road he's endured.

Beck will take Yerry De Los Santos' spot on the roster after the right-hander was optioned back to Scranton on Wednesday night. Expect a bullpen game of sorts on Thursday, with Blackburn and Beck hopefully carrying the bulk of the load so Boone can save arms for this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers.

If he doesn't appear Thursday, expect to see him Friday or Saturday before Carlos Rodón's activation on Sunday. Beck last pitched on May 2 and tossed seven innings (his longest outing of the year) against the Buffalo Bisons.

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