Ryan Weathers

Weathers threw 3.2 scoreless innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, allowing one hit while striking out five. He did not issue a walk.

The first spring hotshot has been identified.

Ryan Weathers made his spring and Yankees debut and dominated as New York shut out the Nationals, 7-0, on Wednesday night.

The pitcher made a successful first spring start as the Yankees cruised over Washington.

There are debuts, and then there are statements. Weathers' first start in Pinstripes felt like the latter. The 26-year-old southpaw averaged a sizzling 98.5 mph on his four-seam fastball and topped out at a career-high 99.8 mph, a noticeable jump that immediately turns heads. Acquired from the Marlins last month, he offers short-term fantasy intrigue as he's slated to open the year in New York's rotation while Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Carlos Rodon (elbow) are sidelined. Injuries have limited him to just 24 starts over the past two seasons, so durability remains the looming variable. The velocity spike changes the calculus, re-affirming that Weathers is the type of late-round arm that can dramatically impact a fantasy roster if his health cooperates.