URGENT UPDATE: The New York Yankees have activated reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list, marking his return after a two-month absence due to a strained left oblique. This announcement comes just hours before the Yankees face off in a critical game, highlighting the urgency of Cruz’s return amid a struggling bullpen.
Cruz’s activation on June 29, 2023, follows a second stint on the injured list, as he previously missed time from May 22 to June 3 with a strained right shoulder. Yankees 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, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in December for catcher Jose Trevino, has compiled a record of 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA across 32 games this season. Before his shoulder injury, Cruz had a 5.14 ERA in seven appearances. However, he managed to achieve a 3.86 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings in the 11 outings prior to his oblique injury.
Currently, the Yankees’ bullpen has struggled, starting Tuesday with a 4.36 ERA, ranking 23rd among the 30 MLB teams. Since Cruz’s last outing on June 27, New York’s relievers have recorded a dismal 5.71 ERA, the second-worst in the majors, only ahead of Colorado.
To accommodate Cruz’s return, right-hander Yerry De los Santos has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. De los Santos posted a record of 0-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 25 appearances, but struggled in his last outing, allowing four runs in just 2 2/3 innings.
With Cruz back on the mound, the Yankees hope to bolster their bullpen’s performance as they navigate the remainder of the season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the veteran’s experience will impact the team’s overall performance in the crucial weeks ahead. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!