Yankees’ Right-Hander Awaits Major Decision After Injury Setback

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz is facing a potentially season-ending decision following a partial tear of his right ulnar collateral ligament. Yankees manager Aaron Boone informed reporters of Cruz's situation, noting that a second opinion is pending to ascertain whether Tommy John surgery will be necessary.

Cruz's last outing was on Tuesday against the Houston Astros, where he allowed two runs, a home run, and a walk in a single inning without recording any strikeouts. Shortly after, the Yankees placed Cruz on the 15-day injured list. Cruz, who joined the Yankees' bullpen last season via a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in December 2024, had previously missed significant time due to injuries.

In May, he suffered shoulder inflammation and had to miss two weeks; later, from late June to August, he dealt with a left oblique strain. This season, Cruz has managed to stay healthy until the recent injury. In response to Cruz's setback, the Yankees have signed right-handed reliever Michael Fulmer. Fulmer, who played for the Los Angeles Angels this season, was subsequently sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

Fulmer, who has played for seven different organizations in the past two years, expressed hope that New York will serve as a permanent home for him.