Fernando Cruz Hits Injured Checklist as Yankees Herald Michael Fulmer

The New York Yankees positioned right-hander Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured checklist Wednesday with proper elbow discomfort and added veteran reliever Michael Fulmer as they cope with rising issues of their bullpen.

Yankees Put Fernando Cruz on IL

Cruz’s transfer got here at some point after he gave up a game-tying two-run house run to Jeremy Peña through the Yankees’ 9-7 loss to the Houston Astros. After the sport, Cruz left the clubhouse with staff athletic coach Tim Lentych.

Manager Aaron Boone mentioned Cruz felt that one thing was not proper with one in all his pitches. The 36-year-old pitcher underwent imaging Wednesday, whereas the Yankees waited for extra details about his elbow.

Cruz has additionally struggled because the All-Star break. He has posted a 5.52 ERA in 17 appearances throughout that stretch. He mentioned he has been coping with mechanical and grip points, MLB reported.

With Cruz unavailable, the Yankees rapidly added Fulmer to assist fill the hole. The 33-year-old right-hander signed a Major League cope with New York after spending a lot of the 2026 season within the minors. He made three aid appearances for the Los Angeles Angels and likewise pitched for Triple-A groups in Sacramento and Salt Lake.

Across 38 Triple-A appearances, Fulmer went 4-2 with 10 saves and a 2.93 ERA. His expertise might give Boone another choice in a bullpen that’s already brief on wholesome arms.

“He’s a guy that has had a good season and is throwing the ball well,” Boone mentioned. “Hopefully he can come here and grab a role. There’s opportunity there.”

Yankees Await Pitching Reinforcements

Fulmer brings loads of Major League expertise. According to the NY Post, he gained the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2016 and was an All-Star with the Detroit Tigers in 2017.

For Fulmer, the job is easy: get outs every time he’s known as upon.

“I’m a big proponent of getting outs any way I can,” Fulmer mentioned. “If it’s three line drives at the shortstop and a zero on the scoreboard, it’s all that really matters to me.”

The Yankees are additionally ready for different pitchers to return. Max Fried might be again for one sport of Saturday’s doubleheader towards the Boston Red Sox, whereas Clarke Schmidt and Ryan Weathers stay additional away from returning.

The membership additionally moved Kervin Castro to the 60-day injured checklist. Castro, who has proper elbow neuritis, is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister about doable surgical procedure.