Yankees’ Fernando Cruz Activated After Two-Month Injury Absence
UPDATE: The New York Yankees have activated reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list after a two-month absence due to a strained left oblique. This urgent news comes as the Yankees look to bolster their struggling bullpen amid a challenging season.
Cruz, who had been sidelined since June 29, returned to the team just in time as they face a critical stretch in the season. Manager Aaron Boone expressed enthusiasm about Cruz’s return, 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.”
The 35-year-old left-hander has posted a solid 3.00 ERA across 32 games this season and was acquired from the Reds in December in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino. However, Cruz’s season has been marred by injuries; he previously missed time from May 22 to June 3 due to a strained right shoulder.
The Yankees’ bullpen has struggled significantly during Cruz’s absence. Entering Tuesday’s game, they boasted a 4.36 ERA, ranking 23rd among all MLB teams. Since Cruz’s last appearance on June 27, Yankees relievers have struggled even further, with a dismal 5.71 ERA, the second-worst in the majors, trailing only the Colorado Rockies.
To make room for Cruz’s return, right-hander Yerry De los Santos was optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre after the Yankees’ 10-5 victory on Monday. De los Santos had appeared in 25 games this season, holding a 3.28 ERA but faltering in his last outing, where he allowed four runs in just 2 2/3 innings.
With Cruz back in the mix, the Yankees hope to stabilize their pitching staff and improve their performance as they navigate the final stretch of the season. Fans are eager to see how this development will impact the team’s chances moving forward.
