SEATTLE — Righty Greg Weissert has taken over as the Red Sox’ setup man/backup closer with Justin Slaten (right shoulder inflammation) sidelined.
Weissert has six holds and three saves in 11 outings since Boston placed Slaten on the IL June 1 (retroactive to May 29).
He did it again Wednesday, earning a save in the Red Sox’ 3-1 victory over the Mariners here at T-Mobile Park.
“He’s been huge,” Garrett Crochet said. “Even before the injury (to Slaten), he was starting to creep into those leverage spots. But then he was just kind of thrust into (the) eighth inning, sometimes closing games obviously this past week. He’s got great stuff. Great work ethic. Really knows what he wants to do and has got a good feel for pitching.”
Closer Aroldis Chapman pitched the eighth against Seattle’s No. 1-3 hitters. Manager Alex Cora decided that was a more high-leverage pocket. Weissert received the ninth.
“It’s definitely a little different. It’s awesome though,” Weissert said about his increased role. “That’s why we want to be here. I don’t really care when I throw as long as we’re winning the games and I’m doing my job. I try not to think about the situation any different. It is a little bit different, but yeah, just try to keep the same plan of attack and get ahead and just try to get outta there as fast as possible.”
Weissert has increased his four-seam fastball usage this season. He’s throwing it 35.3% of the time, up from 21.4% last year.
It was a very effective pitch in 2024. Opponents batted .194 with a .187 expected batting average, .313 slugging percentage and .290 expected slugging percentage against it.
The pitch has been even more dominant with his increased use of it this year. Opponents were batting .137 with a .155 expected batting average, .216 slugging percentage and .286 expected slugging percentage against it entering Wednesday.
He recorded a groundout to second base and a 6-3 double play on his four-seamer Wednesday.
“I looked at the numbers a little bit and there was not much slug on it, so I figured let’s try to throw it more,” Weissert said. “And I did it in spring training, just testing it out and it was going well. It’s hard for the hitters to cover two different movements at the same speed. They (the four-seam fastball and sinker) kind of protect each other. … Having it has allowed me to get a little more swing and miss and a little more weak contact.”
Pitching coach Andrew Bailey highlighted a few reasons why Weissert’s four-seam fastball is so effective.
“Obviously the release angle, vertical approach angle of that pitch,” Bailey said. “His ability to locate it kind of top of the zone vs. lefties. He’s really got two fastballs that really set him up well.”
Weissert has a five-pitch mix.
“He’s got a really robust arsenal for a guy that’s a one-inning guy,” Bailey said. “We talk about that a lot. He’s got a handful of pitches — three different breaking balls, a changeup in there as well. So he can do a lot of things.
“He’s got a lot of talent, spin talent and then obviously from a unique slot,” Bailey added. “But he’s been able to pound the zone. He’s been really effective. The confidence is off the charts this year. I think he feels a little bit more settled in. He’s been able to go out there and be consistent with his job.”
