How Ex-Red Sox Hurler Fared For Yankees In First Start Of 2023 Grapefruit League

One familiar face took the hill for the Yankees on Saturday

The New York Yankees kicked off spring training games Saturday with a familiar face on the hill.

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Weber got the start for New York on Saturday as the club began the 2023 Grapefruit League season with a clash against the 2022 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. 

Weber didn't take the hill for long but was efficient in his appearance with the Yankees in the opener. The 32-year-old pitched the first inning and didn't allow a run while striking out one batter and allowing two base hits to go along with no walks. 

The right-handed pitcher began his Major League Baseball career with the Braves in 2015 and has been a journeyman ever since. Weber has played for six different teams throughout his eight-year career but spent the most time in the big leagues with Boston. He first joined the club in 2019 and stuck with the club until the 2021 campaign. Weber appeared in just four total games in 2021 but did so with three different teams in the Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners. 

Weber joined the Yankees during the 2022 season and was solid in an extremely small sample size. The 32-year-old appeared in five games for New York last season and compiled a 0.84 ERA across 10 2/3 innings pitched while striking out three batters. 

The former Red Sox hurler is looking to earn a spot on New York's roster but isn't currently on the 40-man roster. The Yankees signed Weber to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training during the offseason. 

While it's unlikely he plays a major role in 2023 for New York, if he's able to put together more appearances like he did Saturday, he could potentially serve as a bullpen depth piece for Boston's biggest rival. 

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