One of the Yankees' top relievers is back for the stretch run. Prior to Tuesday's game against the Nationals at Yankee Stadium, New York activated right-hander Fernando Cruz from the 15-day injured list.
Cruz, who was acquired from the Reds in a trade for catcher Jose Trevino this past offseason, has been sidelined since late June with a left oblique strain. The 35-year-old had a 3.00 ERA with 54 strikeouts over 33 innings before going on the IL. His 41.2% strikeout rate is the highest among pitchers with at least 30 innings in 2025.
Cruz struck out two of the five Nationals batters he faced Tuesday night, turning it over to lefty Tim Hill after loading the bases with two singles and a hit-by-pitch.
“Really excited to get him back," said manager Aaron Boone before the Yankees' 5-1 victory. "He's had a great year, albeit with missing some time now and having an earlier stint on the IL; but when he's been out there, he's been terrific."
And Boone made it clear he won't be afraid to use him.
"All hands on deck; here we go," said Boone. "I'm not going to shy away from him. ... We'll be careful with back to backs, especially on a longer outing and things like that. We’ll try to take care of him as best we can, but it's also go time and we expect him to be a key part of the 'pen moving forward.”
Cruz's return comes at a pivotal time for the Bronx Bombers, who are 5 1/2 back of the Blue Jays for first in the American League East and a half-game back of the Red Sox for the top AL Wild Card spot.
Although the club added several relievers at the Trade Deadline, its bullpen has continued to struggle this month, recording a 4.29 ERA with six blown saves over 22 games.