LUKE WEAVER NEWS

Reds shift course, designate RHP Luke Weaver The Cincinnati Reds designated right-handed starter Luke Weaver for assignment Wednesday and recalled Alan Busenitz from Triple-A Louisville...

AUGUST 16, 2023 • DEADSPIN.COM

Cut from 40-man roster Weaver was designated for assignment by the Reds on Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Impact The Reds gave Weaver 21 starts this season even as he posted a 6.87 ERA. He will undoubtedly clear waivers and can elects free agency once that happens. Hunter Greene (hip) is expected to be ready to rejoin Cincinnati's rotation the next time Weaver's turn comes up.

AUGUST 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Coughs up four runs Weaver yielded four runs on six hits and a walk over 3.2 innings during Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against Pittsburgh. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Impact The Pirates greeted Weaver with two runs in the first inning and he never really settled in Sunday. He's failed to complete at least five innings in six of his last seven starts, including his last three. During that stretch, he's produced a 7.24 ERA, driving his season number up to 6.87 through 97 frames. Weaver's next outing is projected to be at home against Toronto.

AUGUST 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts 4.1 innings in no-decision Weaver did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing a run on five hits and a walk over 4.1 innings in a 3-2 loss to the Marlins. He struck out six.

Impact Weaver wasn't bad Tuesday, though he was only able to make it through 4.1 innings after throwing 89 pitches. The 29-year-old right-hander's only made it through five innings just twice in his last 12 starts -- he's posted an ugly 7.97 ERA over that span (49.2 innings). Weaver is now 2-4 this season with a 6.75 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 78:33 K:BB across 20 starts (93.1 innings) this season. He's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Pirates in his next outing.

AUGUST 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Luke Weaver continues to struggle as Reds fall to the Cubs — again Thursday, the Reds dropped their third in a row to the Cubs, losing the series and their spot in first place in the NL Central.

AUGUST 4, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Can't contain Cubs Weaver (2-4) took the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five batters over three-plus innings.

Impact Weaver's wildness was largely to blame for his poor outing, as he threw only 46 of 83 pitches for a strike and tied a season high with four free passes. Those four walks came in a span of five batters in the third frame, with the latter two each forcing in a run. Weaver was allowed to close out that inning but was given the hook after allowing a single to the first batter he faced in the fourth. The right-hander was solid in a quality start against the Dodgers his last time out, but he's been otherwise awful of late -- Thursday was the fourth time in his last five outings that he's given up at least three earned runs while going four of fewer frames. Weaver's season ERA now sits at an ugly 6.98, and it's fair to wonder if he'll be long for the rotation with Hunter Greene (hip) and Nick Lodolo (lower leg) both expected to return later this month.

AUGUST 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Solid in Saturday's loss Weaver (2-3) allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out two over six innings to take the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Impact Weaver turned in a fine performance, but a pair of Max Muncy home runs sent him to his first loss since May 1. Weaver earned his second quality start of the year with this effort. The right-hander is now at a 6.80 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 67:28 K:BB through 86 innings over 18 starts. He's projected for a road start versus the Cubs next week, but his poor numbers on the year could cost him his spot in the rotation if the Reds add starting pitching before Tuesday's trade deadline.

JULY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts four innings against D-Backs Weaver did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out one.

Impact After being forced out of his last start after being struck in the left elbow by a comebacker, Weaver made his usual turn in the rotation Sunday and threw 79 pitches. Weaver held the Diamondbacks scoreless through his first four innings of work but gave up four consecutive hits, including a two-run homer to Corbin Carroll to start the fifth frame, and was immediately pulled from the contest. Sunday's outing marked Weaver's fourth straight start surrendering a home run while lasting fewer than five frames for the seventh time in his last nine starts. Over that stretch, Weaver owns an ugly 9.41 ERA and a 23:17 K:BB through 36.1 innings.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to start Sunday Weaver (elbow) will start Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks in Cincinnati.

Impact Weaver's most recent start Tuesday against the Giants ended early after he was stuck in the left elbow by a comebacker, but he was fortunate to avoid any structural damage to his arm. According to Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer, manager David Bell said Weaver did experience some bruising and swelling, but it apparently won't prevent the right-hander from making his usual turn through the rotation on his normal four days' rest. Weaver carries a 2-2 record, 7.22 ERA and 1.63 WHIP into Sunday's contest and won't make for a comfortable streaming option.

JULY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

X-rays come back negative X-rays on Weaver's left elbow came back negative after he was struck by a comebacker during Tuesday's game, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Impact Weaver has been diagnosed with a left posterior elbow contusion. It's worth noting that the ball struck his non-throwing arm, so Weaver should still be able to pitch in his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Sunday against Arizona.

JULY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Exits with injury Weaver was removed from Tuesday's game against the Giants after taking a comebacker to his left elbow, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Impact After taking a line drive to the elbow off the bat of Michael Conforto, Weaver was immediately removed from the game by trainers. The Reds will take a look at him and should provide more information shortly. Weaver had surrendered four earned runs on four hits while racking up six strikeouts through 2.2 innings before making an early exit.

JULY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Goes just 3.2 frames Saturday Weaver allowed five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one batter over 3.2 innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Saturday.

Impact Much of the damage against Weaver came via the bat of Willy Adames, who tagged the hurler for a solo homer in the first inning and a two-run shot in the third. Weaver gave up two additional extra-base hits in the contest, each of which plated a run. The right-hander has allowed at least five earned runs in three of his past five starts and has posted an ugly 8.86 ERA during that stretch. Part of Weaver's struggles can be attributed to his inability to miss bats -- he's struck out just eight hitters over 21.1 frames during the five-game span. He enters the All-Star break with poor overall numbers, including a 7.00 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 58:23 K:BB over 73.1 innings.

JULY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Earns second win Weaver (2-2) allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over five-plus innings Monday, striking out two and earning a win over the Nationals.

Impact Weaver gave up just one run through five frames before Washington plated one more after he was removed in the sixth inning. He picked up his first win since May 9 and allowed fewer than three runs for the first time since May 25. Weaver posted an atrocious 10.29 ERA through five June starts, so his win Monday was a long-overdue bounce back. He'll carry a 6.72 ERA into his next start, which is lined up to be in Milwaukee this weekend.

JULY 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gets tagged early Weaver did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in an 11-7 victory over the Orioles. He struck out two.

Impact All of the damage against Weaver came in the first inning as the Orioles got to him for four runs on five hits. He would allow just one more hit over the next 3.1 innings before being relieved by Alex Young, while recording only two strikeouts. The right-hander has now allowed at least four runs in three consecutive starts and in four of five starts this month. He also holds a dreadful 13:11 KK:BB ratio in June after maintaining a 26:5 ratio through all of May.

JUNE 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in no-decision Weaver did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk over 3.1 innings in an 11-10 victory over Atlanta. He struck out three.

Impact While it wasn't pretty, Weaver was able to recover from a disastrous first inning to hang a couple zeros, and the Reds later rallied to win their 12th straight game. Weaver now has a 6.86 ERA, 1.59 ERA and 53:18 K:BB in 12 starts (60.1 innings) for the Reds this season. Cincinnati is down several starters including Hunter Greene (hip), so Weaver would seem likely to remain in the rotation for the time being despite his struggles. The team will likely look to upgrade eventually via trade.

JUNE 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles versus Houston Weaver did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs on 10 hits and two walks over five innings against the Astros. He struck out one.

Impact Weaver finished with a season-low one strikeout and has now allowed 18 runs over his past four starts (19 innings) after tossing 6.1 scoreless against the Cardinals on May 25. Overall, he boasts an ugly 6.47 ERA, but his 50:17 K:BB remains encouraging. The Reds are currently dealing with numerous injuries to their pitching staff, so the right-hander's spot in the rotation is fairly secure moving forward. However, Weaver will have another difficult test in his next start, as he's tentatively scheduled to face Atlanta this weekend.

JUNE 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gives up three in no-decision Weaver did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks over 4.2 innings against the Royals. He struck out three.

Impact Weaver walked a season-high four batters Monday and has given up 13 runs over his past three starts (13.1 innings) after tossing 6.1 scoreless innings versus St. Louis on May 25. The veteran sports an ugly 6.23 ERA, but his 1.46 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB over 10 starts (52 innings) is encouraging. The Reds are dealing with numerous injuries to their starting rotation, so despite his struggles, Weaver's spot figures to be pretty secure moving forward. However, things don't get any easier for the right-hander, as his next start is scheduled during the finale of a three-game weekend series in Houston.

JUNE 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Allows seven runs in short start Weaver allowed seven runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings Tuesday against the Dodgers. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Weaver arguably had his worst start thus far after allowing a season-high seven runs in his shortest start to date this year. The Dodgers quickly piled on three runs in the opening frame and added another five runs in the fourth, four of which were charged to Weaver. After J.D. Martinez took him deep Tuesday night, Weaver has allowed 12 home runs in nine starts, which is tied for fifth-most in majors among all qualified pitchers. The 29-year-old now sports a 6.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 46:11 K:BB across 47.1 innings and lines up for a start next week on the road against the Royals.

JUNE 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Fans five in no-decision Weaver allowed three runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Boston on Wednesday.

Impact Weaver didn't issue any free passes for the second time in his past three starts, which was key to limiting the damage in an outing during which he allowed four extra-base hits. Two of those were homers, but they were both solo shots, and the righty hurler was aided by a double-play ball between a pair of hits before he was lifted in the sixth inning. Weaver has taken a no-decision in each of his past four starts, but he's pitched pretty well during that stretch, allowing eight runs over 21.2 frames (3.32 ERA) while notching a strong 21:2 K:BB.

JUNE 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Luke Weaver, Reds look to fluster Red Sox Luke Weaver is coming off his best start of the season, and he'll look for another strong outing when he takes the mound for the visiting Ci...

MAY 31, 2023 • DEADSPIN.COM

Weaver rides changeup to best start of 2023 CINCINNATI -- Armed with a nearly unhittable changeup, Luke Weaver turned in his best start of the season, 6 1/3 scoreless innings complete...

MAY 25, 2023 • MLB.COM

Takes tough no-decision Weaver allowed three hits and one walk over 6.1 scoreless innings during Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Cardinals. He stuck out six and didn't factor in the decision.

Impact Weaver recorded an out during the seventh inning for the first time this season and generated 17 swinging strikes on 86 pitches. The right-hander was left with a no-decision despite producing his first quality start since neither team managed to score until the eighth inning. Weaver surrendered eight home runs in his first four starts of the year, but he's reined in the long ball of late with just one homer allowed in his past three outings.

MAY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Luke Weaver goes extra 'Last Mile' to help community Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luke Weaver partnered with local nonprofit Last Mile Food Rescue on Tuesday to help feed the community and ensure no...

MAY 24, 2023 • MLB.COM

Hit around by Yankees Weaver did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four runs on eight hits and zero walks over 4.1 innings against the Yankees. He struck out four.

Impact Most of the damage was done in the fifth inning, where Weaver gave up three runs after striking out Anthony Volpe to open up the inning. Immediately after recording the punchout, Isiah Kiner-Falefa clubbed a solo home run, then the Yankees fired off four straight hits to get Weaver pulled on just 73 pitches. Though Weaver owns a 6.52 ERA and is giving up 2.56 HR/9 on the year, he remains an intriguing matchup-based streamer and daily fantasy option due to his immense strikeout upside (8 K's in two starts this season). However, he'll have a tough time reaching his punchout upside in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to occur against the Cardinals, who strike out the eighth fewest times per game in MLB.

MAY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Posts best outing of season Weaver did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on seven hits and one walk over 5.1 innings during a 3-1 loss to the Marlins. He struck out six.

Impact Weaver posted five scoreless frames before allowing a game-tying hit in the sixth and was pulled with one out. It was the first time in five starts that the right-hander hadn't surrendered multiple runs in an outing, lowering his ERA from 7.36 to 6.26. Despite the poor start to the campaign, Weaver still boasts a 27:8 K:BB over 27.1 innings, giving him a solid upside if he can start posting more scoreless frame, but he'll likely have a difficult matchup in his next start, as he's projected to face the Yankees during the opener of three-game weekend set.

MAY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE