New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that reliever Fernando Cruz has resumed throwing for the first time since doctors found a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow.
Boone told reporters the 36-year-old right-hander is doing “pretty well” after that initial session.
Cruz has been sidelined since late August after an MRI confirmed the injury.
Imaging performed on Aug. 26 revealed a partial tear of Cruz’s right UCL. Het with Dr. Keith Meister, who advised a conservative approach for now. He has not yet resumed throwing, Aaron Boone said Sept. 13.
The veteran pitcher appeared in 61 games this season before landing on the injured list, posting a 4-6 record with a 3.13 ERA and two saves. He logged 54 2/3 innings, struck out 67 batters and finished with a 1.34 WHIP.
Cruz was on pace for a heavy workload, ranking among the league leaders in appearances at the time of the setback.
The Kansas City Royals originally selected him in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. He did not reach the majors until 2022 with the Cincinnati Reds.
After three seasons in Cincinnati, Cruz joined the Yankees ahead of the 2025 campaign.
In 251 career games he is 11-21 with a 4.03 ERA.
The Yankees entered Wednesday’s game against Tampa Bay with a 90-67 record, sitting second in the American League East. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games and 43-33 at Yankee Stadium.
New York closes the regular season at home against the Baltimore Orioles starting Friday.
The Tampa Bay Rays have won the American League East. They had an exceptional year for a team projected to finish last in the division. Now, they’ll get a bye to the ALDS.
The Yankees are now officially locked into the No. 4 seed. Game 1 of the Wild Card Series is next Tuesday.
Cruz’s absence has thinned the Yankees’ late-inning options as they prepare for the postseason.
Team officials have not set a firm timeline for his return, though the conservative treatment plan leaves open the possibility he could contribute if the club advances deep into October. Boone has emphasized monitoring the elbow closely rather than rushing the process.
Cruz remains under team control through arbitration in coming seasons.
The Yankees continue to evaluate bullpen depth while the right-hander works through his throwing program.
