URGENT UPDATE: The New York Yankees have activated reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list as of Tuesday, marking his return after a two-month absence due to a strained left oblique. Cruz, who sustained the injury during a workout on June 29, is rejoining the team at a critical time when the Yankees’ bullpen struggles have become glaringly apparent.
Cruz’s activation comes just days after the Yankees’ bullpen recorded a staggering 5.71 ERA, the second-worst in Major League Baseball, trailing only the Colorado Rockies. This troubling statistic highlights the urgent need for Cruz’s talents as the Yankees aim to turn their season around.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his excitement 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.”
This sentiment reflects the team’s high hopes for Cruz, who has shown promising performance this season with a 3.00 ERA across 32 games.
Cruz, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in December in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino, has faced challenges this season. Before his injuries, he recorded a 5.14 ERA in seven appearances after returning from another IL stint for a strained right shoulder. However, he rebounded with a 3.86 ERA and 19 strikeouts over 9.1 innings prior to his latest injury.
To make room for Cruz, right-hander Yerry De los Santos has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. De los Santos had a 3.28 ERA in 25 appearances but struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four runs in just 2.2 innings on Monday.
Cruz’s return is crucial for the Yankees as they continue to grapple with their bullpen’s performance. The team currently sits in a challenging position, and with Cruz back in action, fans are eager to see if he can help reverse their fortunes. Stay tuned for updates as the Yankees aim to capitalize on this key moment in their season.
