As the New York Yankees head toward the end of May, the team‘s injury situation shows signs of improvement. The focus on Fernando Cruz Yankees injury comeback progress is increasing, with Cruz expected to take part in live batting practice, while key players Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton move closer to returning. However, the team also faces setbacks, including Oswaldo Cabrera’s season-ending fractured ankle.
Updates on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Recovery and Rehab Plans
Jazz Chisholm Jr., sidelined since April 30 due to a severe oblique strain that involved three tears, began light workouts on Monday and plans to intensify his training on Tuesday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that Chisholm will be tested with a full workout, determining if he can progress to a rehab assignment later this week.
MLB insider Bryan Hoch relayed Boone’s update before the Yankees’ game in Anaheim, noting the possibility of Chisholm appearing in Minor League rehab games by week’s end, provided his recovery continues smoothly. The infielder had expressed a desire to skip rehab and return quickly, but given the challenging nature of oblique injuries, the Yankees are taking a cautious approach to his return.
Giancarlo Stanton’s Gradual Progress Toward Game Action
Slugger Giancarlo Stanton has yet to play this season due to epicondylitis in both elbows. Stanton is currently in Tampa, engaging in live at-bats throughout the week as he works toward regaining form. New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman outlined Stanton’s near-term schedule, remarking that Stanton will participate in live batting practice for the next two weeks and is close to starting a rehab assignment soon.
He’s scheduled for live BP for the next two weeks, and he’s really close to doing a rehab assignment afterwards. It’ll be great to get him back at some point, and hopefully we don’t lose anybody along the way.
— Brian Cashman, New York Yankees General Manager
Fernando Cruz’s Shoulder Inflammation and Upcoming Return
Reliever Fernando Cruz was placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder, which worsened during a recent game against the New York Mets. Cruz pitched 26 throws to the last seven batters in a 3-2 loss, exacerbating discomfort he had felt for weeks. During this outing, Cruz recorded the final out of the eighth inning and secured the first out in the ninth but loaded the bases before surrendering the game-ending sacrifice fly to Francisco Lindor.
According to Bryan Hoch, Cruz is currently in Anaheim with the team and is slated to throw live batting practice during the Los Angeles Dodgers series, marking a significant milestone in his comeback.
Injury updates from the dugout: Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be playing in Minor League rehab games by the end of the week, Giancarlo Stanton is in Tampa and will be having live at-bats all week, Fernando Cruz is with the team in Anaheim and should toss live BP during the Dodgers…
— Bryan Hoch, MLB Insider and Writer
Roster Movements and Additional Injury Notes
To fill the gap left by Cruz on the pitching staff, the Yankees recalled Brent Headrick. Headrick had been effective early in the season, throwing 5 ¹/₃ scoreless innings before being optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre due to an oblique strain. His return aims to bolster the bullpen depth, especially as key relievers work through injuries.
The Yankees also must contend with the loss of Oswaldo Cabrera, who suffered a fractured left ankle, ending his season prematurely. This injury compounds the team’s challenges but underscores the importance of the anticipated healthy returns of players like Cruz, Chisholm, and Stanton.
What This Means for the Yankees Moving Forward
The gradual returns of Fernando Cruz, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton offer hope for the Yankees as they seek to stabilize their roster in the coming weeks. Cruz’s ability to throw live batting practice signals positive progress in his injury recovery, while Chisholm’s rehab assignment could mark a turning point in his oblique strain comeback. Stanton’s step into live at-bats is a key milestone in his recovery from elbow inflammation.
With the team’s key contributors nearing game readiness, the Yankees could regain critical depth and experience soon. How these players reintegrate will likely influence the team’s competitiveness the rest of the season. Monitoring Fernando Cruz Yankees injury comeback progress and the statuses of Chisholm and Stanton will be essential for Yankees fans and analysts alike.