Prior to the middle game of the Yankees' three-game set against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone delivered injury updates on a few players...
The Yankees' bullpen has experienced a number of injuries this season, including to one of their high-leverage arms.
Fernando Cruz was placed on the IL back in late June due to an oblique strain and the Yankees skipper gave an update on his status. Speaking with the media, including the Daily News' Gary Phillips, Boone revealed that Cruz had started his throwing program over the weekend as expected.
Boone also said that the oblique hasn't fully healed, so it's a slower program. It was once thought that Cruz could return to the Yankees in August, but the right-hander's timeline is unclear at this point.
Across 32 appearances, Cruz has been one of the Yankees' best relievers. He's pitched to a 3.00 ERA, recorded two saves and struck out 54 batters in 33.0 innings.
As for Yerry De Los Santos, Boone said the right-hander needs "a couple" more rehab games but should be "in play here very soon."
De Los Santos was placed on the IL in mid-June with elbow discomfort and just completed his first rehab appearance this week. Back on July 19, De Los Santos tossed one inning, allowing two runs on three hits (one home run) while striking out two batters.
In 14 appearances in the majors this year, the 27-year-old has pitched to a 1.80 ERA and struck out 13 batters across 20.0 innings.
May 26, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough (33) delivers to the plate in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Ryan Yarbrough not throwing from mound yet
Boone said the reliever-turned-starter has not begun mound work yet, but he is throwing.
Yarbrough was placed on the IL with an oblique strain back in June, which came at a bad time for the Yankees who have had a number of injuries to the rotation this season. That includes Luis Gil starting the season on the IL -- and has yet to hit a major league mound yet -- Gerrit Cole missing the season after elbow surgery and Clarke Schmidt starting on the IL and suffering his own elbow injury that took him out for the rest of the year.
Before the IL, Yarbrough pitched in 16 games (eight starts), where he pitched to a 3.90 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.
As the Yankees wait for Gil to return, Yarbrough could give the rotation a boost. Or, if the Yankees make a trade deadline deal for a starter, he can give the bullpen a long man for the rest of the season and postseason.
