Luke Weaver did not allow an earned run in his final eight games of the regular season, converting four save opportunities. He then made a save in all three games the Yankees won in the Division Series against Kansas City.

Weaver, pitching in the postseason for the first time in his career, allowed no runs on two hits over 4⅓ innings and struck out five without a walk.

The sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium let out a “luuuuuuke” when Weaver was introduced Monday night before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Weaver found it all a bit amusing.

“I don’t think I’m any closer. I think I’m the guy who can create this situation,” said the right-hander after the decisive win against the Royals. “I know, it’s kind of silly. I made a few saves here now and at the end of the year, but I guess I’m just a man on a mission.”

The Yankees looked at Weaver and saw a pitcher who was proficient in three pitches – a four-seam fastball, a cutter and a changeup – and who had pitched well in a variety of roles

“He has the command (plus) the bounce that we saw from him as a backup,” manager Aaron Boone said.

The Yankees won five World Series from 1996 to 2009, with Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera making 42 saves in 47 chances. He posted a 0.70 ERA and recorded 110 strikeouts in 141 postseason innings.

Now their World Series hopes may hinge on a pitcher who was designated for assignment by the Reds and Mariners last season before landing with the Yankees as a waiver claim in September.

Weaver pitched well in three starts, but the Yankees were unconvinced. Weaver became a free agent after the season and was not re-signed until January 19th.

The Yankees suggested some delivery changes, which Weaver implemented over the winter. The improvements weren’t visible until spring training.

“Some of the changes he made … really took him to another level,” Boone said. “Look at his body of work throughout the year, it was outstanding. Really since the end of spring training.”

Weaver began the season as an additional starter and long-term reliever. He never made a start, but gave the Yankees 84 innings out of the bullpen, third in the majors among relievers.

“It was really excellent from the jump,” Boone said.

Weaver’s character off the field wasn’t necessarily a deciding factor in him being selected as the grad, but it did impress Boone.

“A really good person, just the way he lives his life,” the manager said. “He’s just very responsible, hardworking, a great worker, easy-going personality, great teammate.”

The other bonus for the Yankees is how well Holmes has performed since losing his job as closer. Including the postseason, he entered the ALCS with a 1.38 ERA in his last 14 appearances with 11 strikeouts over 13 innings.

The Yankees never imagined going into the postseason with Holmes as one of the starters for Weaver. But here they are.

“I watched a lot of it on TV for a while. I had no postseason experience. For me, this is all a first for new things,” Weaver said. “It doesn’t feel any different because I try not to let it be any different. I try not to miss the big moment.

“I’m trying to say, ‘What do I want to do next?’ How would I like to approach the next pitch? Does it make sense to do this and that?’ I try to stay calm and don’t want to reveal anything to the opposing team. I almost want to go out there with a smile, like this opportunity is something I want to own and enjoy more than anything.”

Peter Abraham can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @PeteAbe.