The New York Yankees have continued to face challenges with pitcher injuries this season, and Fernando Cruz has recently been added to the list due to shoulder discomfort. The dependable reliever’s performance was impacted, prompting the Yankees to place him on the 15-day injured list as a precautionary step to protect his long-term health. This makes the ongoing Fernando Cruz Yankees shoulder injury update crucial for fans and the team alike.
Cruz has been a consistent bullpen presence, maintaining a 2.66 ERA and racking up 35 strikeouts over 23 2/3 innings. His absence was felt, but the decision to rest him was supported by medical experts to prevent further damage.
Expert Insight from Sports Orthopedic Specialist Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas
Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, a Sports Orthopedic Surgeon affiliated with NYU Langone’s Sports Medicine Center, discussed Cruz’s condition in detail during a conversation with New York Post Sports’ Brandon London on the show Injury Report. Lomas emphasized that it is critical not to push pitchers through shoulder pain, given their specialized physical demands.
“With Fernando Cruz, you always have to think about what could happen if you just try to gut it out and play through it, and that is not something you want to do with a pitcher. These guys are very refined athletes and if you overdo it, you can put them out for a long period. So, right call to let him rest, let it calm down, maybe give them a little medication.”
The surgeon also outlined the short-term approach to Cruz’s rehabilitation, noting optimism about his return timeline.
“The Spectrum could be as short as just a few games, and sometimes it takes a few weeks. And again, you have to test them with at least as close to game intensity as you can. Once they pass that test, you can get them back on the mound.”
Fernando Cruz Reacts to Injury and Looks Ahead to Comeback
After being placed on the injured list, Fernando Cruz expressed some frustration but maintained a positive outlook focused on the team’s success and his readiness for future games. With 21 appearances this season, Cruz has been an important part of the Yankees’ pitching staff.
“I’m a little frustrated; it’s a little disappointing,” Cruz said after he was placed on the IL. “But I think it’s the best option for the team, for me to be able to be strong and ready for what’s coming.”
Cruz is anticipated to throw live batting practice this Saturday, a key step before his expected return to game action next week, potentially aligning with the Yankees’ upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.
Significance of Cruz’s Return for the Yankees’ Bullpen Depth
The successful and timely recovery of Fernando Cruz will bolster the Yankees’ bullpen, an area strained by injury throughout the season. Given Cruz’s proven effectiveness and the careful management of his shoulder health, his return could provide the team with the reliable relief pitching they need during the critical stretch of games ahead.
Monitoring Cruz’s progress will remain important, as the Yankees aim to balance competitive performance with player well-being, particularly in the demanding pitching role.