Yankees lose another player to IL, make several roster moves

The New York Yankees have suffered another MLB pitching setback, placing right-hander Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.

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The move comes at a particularly difficult time for New York, which is already dealing with multiple injuries on its pitching staff and now has to make several corresponding roster moves.

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Cruz heads to the injured list

Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) hands the ball to pitcher Fernando Cruz (63) in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Cruz has been an important part of the Yankees’ bullpen this season, making his absence another concern for Aaron Boone and the pitching staff. The Yankees announced that Cruz will spend at least the next 15 days on the IL because of the elbow issue.

The move is especially notable because Cruz has been one of New York’s most effective strikeout relievers. The right-hander has consistently generated swings and misses and has been relied upon in high-leverage situations.

Now, the Yankees will have to find a way to replace those innings while Cruz recovers.

New York has already placed Max Fried and Ryan Weathers on the injured list this month, leaving the club with less pitching depth than it had entering the stretch run.

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Yankees make several roster changes

Apr 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Fernando Cruz (63) reacts after the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Yankees made several moves alongside Cruz’s IL placement.

New York optioned right-hander Bradley Hanner to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and recalled right-hander Elmer Rodríguez from Triple-A. Rodríguez is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Houston Astros, giving the Yankees another arm to help navigate the rotation crunch.

The Yankees also signed right-hander Michael Fulmer to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster. The veteran adds another experienced arm to a bullpen that suddenly needs reinforcements.

Finally, New York transferred right-hander Kervin Castro to the 60-day injured list, creating additional roster flexibility while Castro continues dealing with his right elbow issue.

That’s a lot of movement for one day, and it illustrates just how much pressure the Yankees’ pitching staff is under.

With the postseason race tightening and several important pitchers unavailable, New York is going to need its reinforcements to contribute immediately.

Losing Cruz is another significant blow, and the Yankees are now relying on a combination of young pitchers and veterans such as Fulmer to keep the bullpen and rotation afloat.

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