In a season filled with ups and downs for the New York Yankees, a bright spot emerged on an otherwise forgettable Wednesday night in The Bronx. Despite a 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, the return of reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list provided a much-needed boost of optimism. Sidelined since May 17 with shoulder inflammation, Cruz took the mound in the eighth inning and immediately reminded everyone why he’s a vital piece of the Yankees’ bullpen.
Cruz, known for his overpowering right arm, looked as sharp as ever. He struck out three batters, allowed just two hits—one of which was a home run by Kyle Manzardo—and showcased the devastating forkball (or splitter) that has become his signature pitch. The pitch was nearly unhittable, inducing nine swings from Cleveland batters with five whiffs. The only blemish came on a second-pitch four-seamer that Manzardo, likely sitting on a fastball, launched over the right-center field wall.
“I thought the stuff was really good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “I thought the fastball was good and tallied up three more of the worst swings I’ve seen off the forkball or whatever.” Boone’s enthusiasm was palpable, especially with key reliever Luke Weaver currently sidelined, making Cruz’s return all the more critical.
Cruz himself was brimming with confidence. “I feel amazing,” he said. “Velocity was there, stuff was there, splitter feels amazing. Everything felt amazing out of my hand. It’s time to give the team what it needs. I’m ready. I’m good.” His performance backed up his words: with a 2.92 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 24 ²/₃ innings this season, Cruz is poised to be a difference-maker down the stretch.
The lone hiccup in his outing, Manzardo’s homer, didn’t faze Cruz. He chalked it up to the Guardians’ batter guessing right on a fastball. “He was sitting fastball and guessed right, which happens,” Cruz said. What matters more is that his shoulder, which had kept him out for weeks, showed no signs of holding him back. His velocity and command were intact, and his splitter was as nasty as ever.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are nearing a pivotal decision regarding slugger Giancarlo Stanton. After missing all of spring training and two months of the regular season due to severe elbow tendinitis in both arms, Stanton has been working his way back in Tampa, taking live batting practice for over a week. Boone indicated that Stanton would “probably” return to New York soon, with a decision on his next steps expected within the next 24 hours.
Stanton’s path back to the lineup remains unclear. In the past, he has bypassed minor league rehab assignments, believing high-velocity pitching machines can simulate major league arms. However, last month, Stanton suggested he might need a rehab stint to shake off the rust. Given that he doesn’t play the field, Boone has been uncertain about what a rehab assignment would entail. “I haven’t known what a rehab assignment would look like,” Boone admitted. Potential destinations include Double-A Somerset or Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but no final call has been made.
Stanton has been candid about the challenges he faces, noting that he’ll likely be playing through pain upon his return. His absence has left a void in the Yankees’ lineup, and his potential comeback looms large as the team pushes through the season.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Fernando Cruz. His swift recovery and dominant return to the mound have given the Yankees a reason to believe that their bullpen can weather the storm, even on a night when the scoreboard didn’t go their way. With Cruz dealing strikes like nothing happened, the Bronx faithful have something to cheer about.