New York Yankees fans are largely frustrated with how the franchise has been handled in recent years.
While the Yankees are still regular playoff contenders, they haven’t been quite as dominant as the fanbase has expected, and fans will immediately point to Brian Cashman as the problem.
Cashman has made a plethora of decisions that have aggravated the Bronx faithful over the last five-plus years, and that includes retaining Aaron Boone as manager.
Well, on Friday, Cashman and Boone made a move in tandem that will surely grind the gears of fans once again, as the Yankees sent relief pitcher Yovanny Cruz back down to the minor leagues.
New York’s bullpen has been a major issue throughout the campaign, and with Cruz flashing some dominance down in Triple-A, fans have been clamoring for the right-hander to join the big-league squad permanently.
Cruz has been up with the Yankees twice this season, allowing just two baserunners while registering six strikeouts over 4.1 innings of work.
The sample size is obviously small, but Cruz looked good when he pitched. His fastball touches triple digits, and he features a nasty splitter that can absolutely fool hitters.
Cruz has pitched to the tune of a 3.18 ERA at Triple-A in 2026, surrendering 21 hits while also fanning 37 batters across 28.1 frames. The command (4.1 BB/9) has been a bit of an issue, but there is no question that the 26-year-old has filthy stuff.
Considering that Camilo Doval has been an absolute disaster for New York this season, you would think the Yanks would want to give Cruz another chance. Nevertheless, it looks like the Yankees feel that the former Boston Red Sox farmhand needs more work down in the minor leagues.
New York has lost seven straight games and is dealing with a rash of injuries. Both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are sidelined, and Carlos Rodon just hit the injured list due to elbow inflammation. Max Fried is currently working his way back from an elbow injury, as well.
The Yankees are still 48-38 and are firmly in playoff position, but things are getting a bit hairy.
New York will open a three-game set with the Minnesota Twins on Friday evening.
