Fernando Cruz

The 36-year-old hurler landed on the injured list in late August with right elbow discomfort and then diagnosed with a partially torn UCL. The expectation is that he’ll ultimately have Tommy John surgery, though that decision has not yet been made.

Boone added that Tommy John surgery is on the table for Cruz, who hit the injured list prior to Wednesday’s game against the Astros. The 36-year-old hasn’t been his usual self this season, but his absence is still a hit to New York’s high-leverage depth. Cruz is done for the season, even if he manages to avoid elbow surgery.

Just last night, Cruz said he was healthy, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone “downplayed the idea that the reliever is battling fatigue.” However, Cruz had been struggling with increased usage, leading to a drop in velocity and a lack of effectiveness on his signature splitter. It turns out, he was battling through an elbow injury after all.

Cruz picked up his second save of the season with David Bednar presumably unavailable to pitch against his former club following a 32-pitch effort during Sunday’s doubleheader against the Dodgers. The 36-year-old will continue to vulture the occasional save chance when the opportunity arises.

David Bednar had the night off after working the previous two days, and predictably, Cruz was the choice to fill in. He’s made 32 appearances with a 1.84 ERA and 11 holds working in front of Bednar this season. Acquiring him from the Reds for Jose Trevino prior to last year has been a big win for the Yankees.

Pitching in a setup role, Cruz had a 3.56 ERA and a 72/24 K/BB in 48 innings in his first season with the Yankees. This is his first arbitration season, and he’ll be eligible for free agency after 2028, though he’ll be 38 at that point.