Fernando

Cruz

Pitching in a setup role, Cruz had a 3.56 ERA and a 72/24 K/BB in 48 innings in his first season with the Yankees. This is his first arbitration season, and he’ll be eligible for free agency after 2028, though he’ll be 38 at that point.

Cruz goes into the spot previously occupied by Yerry De Los Santos. He had a 3.00 ERA, two saves and nine holds in 32 appearances before suffering a strained oblique at the end of June, but he’ll have to work his way back up the depth chart to get into high leverage situations in a crowded Yankees pen.

De los Santos heads back to the minors with Fernando Cruz coming off the injured list ahead of Tuesday’s game. He allowed four runs over 2 2/3 innings on Monday night against the Nationals.

Cruz’s return should provide a lift to New York’s high-leverage mix since he posted a solid 3.00 ERA and 54/14 K/BB ratio across 33 innings before hitting the injured list in late June with a high-grade left oblique strain.

Cruz gave up a couple of hits and walked one while throwing 21 pitches. He’s due at least a couple of more minor league appearances before returning from the oblique strain that’s sidelined him since the end of June.

Not great. Cruz is facing a lengthy absence and there’s a strong possibility he’s on the shelf until the late stages of the regular season. The 35-year-old veteran has been an essential high-leverage option this season for New York with a solid 3.00 ERA and 54/14 K/BB ratio across 33 innings.

Cruz heads back to the injured list for the second time this season after missing time last month with a shoulder ailment. The 35-year-old veteran has been a key component of New York’s relief mix this season with a strong 3.00 ERA and 54/14 K/BB ratio across 33 innings. Oblique issues can be tricky matters, especially for pitchers, so there’s a chance he isn’t back until after the All-Star break in a couple weeks.

Cruz missed the minimum with shoulder inflammation. He could be the top fallback in the closer’s role for the Yankees if Devin Williams struggles to get the job done.

This makes sense since Williams has been scoreless in 10 of his last 11 appearances while registering a 15/2 K/BB ratio in those 10 innings. He has had more success in the eighth inning than the ninth inning since joining the Yankees, but he has a long track record of success as a closer and should slide back into the role for the next month or more. However, the fact that Boone said “most of the closing” implies that there could be some stray saves for Fernando Cruz or maybe Tim Hill if there is a pocket of left-handed hitters coming up.

Cruz is expected to return from the injured list next week when he’s first eligible to be activated. He told reporters after the session that he felt “no pain and no discomfort.” The 35-year-old veteran reliever hit the shelf last week with shoulder inflammation.