Yankees activate RHP Fernando Cruz after extended IL stint

The New York Yankees reinstated right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against Washington, giving them a key bullpen piece back for the stretch run.

Cruz, who the Yankees acquired over the offseason via trade with Cincinnati, has been sidelined since June 27 with a left oblique strain. Before going down, he was proving to be one of the team's most consistent options out of the bullpen, posting a 2-3 record, two saves and a 3.00 ERA with 54 strikeouts to 14 walks across 32 relief appearances (33 innings).

Although Cruz didn't make his MLB debut until 2022 at 32 years old, the 35-year-old has been impactful throughout his four years in the majors, first with the Reds (2022-24) and now with the Yankees. He has a 4.24 career ERA with 282 strikeouts and 86 walks across 180 1/3 innings.

The Yankees optioned reliever Yerry de los Santos to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Monday's 10-5 win to make room for Cruz. de los Santos has a 3.28 ERA, 28 strikeouts and 17 walks over 35 2/3 innings this season for the Yankees across 25 relief appearances. He was tagged for four runs over 2 2/3 innings Monday against the Nationals.

Cruz's return could be timely for the Yankees, who went in on the bullpen at the deadline with two reliever acquisitions but who have struggled this month with an 11-11 record. Entering Tuesday's games, the Yankees have fallen into third place in the American League East, 5 1/2 games behind first-place Toronto.

--Field Level Media