Yankees Recall Yovanny Cruz to Strengthen Bullpen Amid Struggles

Desperate for a turnaround after losing five consecutive games and eight of their last ten, the Yankees are making adjustments to their roster. The team’s recent loss to the Tigers was a tough pill to swallow, largely attributed to Ryan Weathers’ performance and some shaky defensive plays. In that game, the bullpen was tasked with an exhausting 7.1 innings of work, highlighting the need for fresh arms.

In response, the Yankees have recalled right-hander Yovanny Cruz from Triple-A Scranton ahead of their Tuesday night matchup with Detroit. To make room for Cruz, Yerry De los Santos, who pitched two innings on Monday and allowed two unearned runs, was optioned back to the RailRiders.

The 26-year-old Cruz has made a brief appearance in the majors this season, throwing 2.1 innings without allowing any runs or walks while striking out three. His primary work has come in Scranton, where he has posted a respectable 3.18 ERA and a 3.88 FIP over 28.1 innings. Though he faced some challenges in June, yielding four earned runs in 8.2 innings, Cruz recently showcased his potential with a couple of scoreless outings, earning him this opportunity with the Yankees.

While Cruz’s control has been a concern—he walked 4.1 hitters per nine innings in Triple-A—his arsenal includes an impressive triple-digit fastball and a slider that serves as a potent swing-and-miss pitch. He’s demonstrated the ability to use it effectively against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.

If Cruz can manage to keep his fastball in the strike zone while avoiding the center of the plate, he could emerge as a valuable relief option for the Yankees in the weeks ahead. What he needs now is the opportunity to prove himself consistently.

De los Santos, who was called up just last week, returns to Triple-A with a solid 1.04 ERA in 8.2 MLB innings this season, primarily in mop-up duty. He is expected to receive another chance down the line as the Yankees navigate their roster complexities.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.