Yankees Lose Breakout Reliever Fernando Cruz to Shoulder Injury
The New York Yankees will be without one of their most impressive bullpen arms for the next few weeks, as reliever Fernando Cruz deals with a shoulder issue. The team made the announcement via their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Manager Aaron Boone provided an update, saying:
“He’s dealing with some shoulder stuff, so he hasn’t been available the last couple days. Hopefully we’re getting through it… He got some imaging done, but nothing significant.”
It’s a tough setback for both the Yankees and the 35-year-old Cruz, who was enjoying a breakout season in his first year in pinstripes. Under pitching coach Matt Blake’s guidance, Cruz had emerged as yet another unheralded arm turned star—Blake’s specialty.
Cruz’s Career Revival
Hailing from Puerto Rico, Cruz debuted with the Reds in 2022 and delivered solid, if unspectacular, results over two and a half seasons—posting a 4.52 ERA and 228 strikeouts in 147⅓ innings. But since joining the Yankees, he’s been transformed into a dominant force.
Blake and the coaching staff leaned into Cruz’s devastating splitter, now making up 57% of his pitches. The results have been stellar:
- 2.66 ERA
- 2.49 FIP
- 35 strikeouts to 8 walks in 23⅔ innings
Fortunately, the injury doesn’t appear to be serious. According to YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits, Cruz experienced a pull in his trapezius muscle, prompting precautionary tests. The MRI revealed no structural damage—just inflammation. He’s already received a cortisone shot and has resumed light throwing.
Bullpen Outlook Without Cruz
Even with Cruz sidelined, the Yankees bullpen remains one of the league’s best, carrying a 3.38 ERA—ninth-best in MLB. While his absence is a blow, the unit is still deep with reliable arms.
- Luke Weaver has been lights-out as closer, boasting a 0.42 ERA, 1.88 FIP, and six saves.
- Tim Hill (3.80 ERA), Mark Leiter Jr. (2.75 ERA), and Ryan Yarbrough (3.38 ERA) have been dependable in high-leverage spots.
- Devin Williams, despite a rocky start after coming over from the Brewers, has settled in with just three earned runs over his last 11 outings and could re-enter the late-inning mix.
The Yankees have leaned heavily on a strong bullpen in recent seasons, and Cruz has been a big part of that success in 2025. The hope is that his stay on the injured list will be brief, allowing him to return and continue anchoring the relief corps by June.
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