Pirates Reliever Luke Weaver Battling a Severe Case of Poison Ivy

When the Pirates acquired left‑hander Luke Weaver at the July trade deadline, most fans expected a smooth transition from his bright stint with the Mets. Instead, the 28‑year‑old has spent the past few weeks fighting something far less glamorous: a nasty, almost month‑long case of poison ivy.

Weaver opened up to DK Pittsburgh Sports on Thursday, saying the rash started in August while he was in Miami. “I brushed up against a bush and my whole lower body broke out in hives,” he explained, his voice a mix of frustration and humor. “I haven’t slept properly in about a month – I’m waking up a lot, itching, trying to find ways to get through each day.”

The irritation has been more than a skin problem. Weaver’s recent numbers reflect the struggle: a 5.79 ERA across ten appearances for Pittsburgh, a sharp contrast to the sparkling 1.84 ERA he posted over 44 innings for the Mets before the trade.

Manager Don Kelly acknowledged the difficulty, noting the medical staff has been doing everything possible to speed up Weaver’s recovery. “It’s been a really tough case,” Kelly said, according to MLB.com. “He’s dealing with a lot, but he’s looking better each day.”

While the poison‑ivy episode has kept Weaver off his game, the trade itself was part of a larger move that sent Pittsburgh’s No. 9 prospect, infielder Sammy Stafura, to New York. The exchange highlights the team’s willingness to gamble on a pitcher who, when healthy, can be a valuable bullpen asset.

For now, Weaver’s focus remains on getting the rash under control and catching up on missed sleep. “I’m trying to find ways every single day,” he said, underscoring his determination to return to the mound as soon as his skin lets him.