Yankees’ Bullpen Faces Challenges as Cruz is Injured

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Yankees‘ bullpen is facing significant challenges as Fernando Cruz has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Cruz has not played since last Saturday, forcing the Yankees to adapt quickly.

Luke Weaver has stepped up in Cruz’s absence and has taken on critical roles including closing games. On Wednesday, he entered a tie game in the top of the ninth inning, managing to secure the win after Jasson Domínguez hit a game-winning homer.

“It was a gritty win, especially when we’re short in the bullpen,” said manager Aaron Boone. Along with Cruz, Ian Hamilton has also struggled lately, putting more pressure on the remaining relievers.

Although Jonathan Loáisiga is improving, he did not perform at his best on Wednesday. Weaver continues to impress, allowing just one run over 20 appearances this season. Boone praised Weaver, noting that he has effectively commanded the ball at critical moments.

This performance comes after a challenging outing on Tuesday when Hamilton struggled to finish the game. Weaver’s resilience has been evident throughout his time as the Yankees’ closer, demonstrating his ability to manage pressure.

Weaver earned his sixth save on Wednesday, showcasing his adaptability in different situations. While Cruz’s absence is felt, the bullpen has shown promise with the return of Loáisiga and solid performances from Mark Leiter Jr. and Tim Hill.

In other news, Cruz has been placed on the 15-day injured list but hopes to return as soon as possible. He underwent testing that revealed inflammation but received a cortisone shot to aid recovery. “Everything looks good,” Cruz stated, confident he can return by the minimum duration.

As the Yankees navigate this stretch, manager Boone expressed optimism about Cruz’s potential for a quick return. In the meantime, the team has called up Brent Headrick to help bolster the bullpen during this challenging time.