Yankees Activate Fernando Cruz After Two-Month Injury Layoff
Fernando Cruz has returned to the New York Yankees after a two-month absence due to a strained left oblique. Activated from the injured list on June 29, 2023, Cruz’s return comes as the Yankees seek to bolster a struggling bullpen. His injury, sustained during a workout with a medicine ball, marked a significant setback for the 35-year-old reliever, who had previously missed time earlier this season with a strained right shoulder.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed enthusiasm about Cruz’s comeback, stating, “Really excited to get him back. He’s had a great year, albeit with an earlier stint on the IL. But when he’s been out there, he’s been terrific.” Cruz’s performance this season has been notable; since joining the Yankees from the Cincinnati Reds in December in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino, he holds a record of 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA across 32 games.
Impact on the Yankees’ Bullpen
Before his latest injury, Cruz had a 5.14 ERA in seven appearances. However, prior to that, he showcased his capabilities with a 3.86 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings over 11 outings. The Yankees’ bullpen has struggled in Cruz’s absence, beginning the day with a 4.36 ERA, ranking 23rd among the 30 Major League Baseball teams. Since June 27, when Cruz last pitched, New York’s relievers have posted a dismal 5.71 ERA, the second-worst in the league, only ahead of the Colorado Rockies.
To accommodate Cruz’s return to the roster, right-hander Yerry De los Santos was optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre following a 10-5 victory on Monday. De los Santos had a record of 0-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 25 appearances, although he struggled in his recent outing, allowing four runs over 2 2/3 innings.
The Yankees will look to Cruz to provide a much-needed boost as they navigate the remainder of the season. His experience and prior performance suggest he could play a crucial role in stabilizing the bullpen as the team approaches the critical final stretch of the regular season.
