Yankees Bullpen Faced Injury Concerns Before Postseason

The New York Yankees are managing mounting pitching injuries as they battle for the AL East title.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a pitcher mid-delivery in a navy and white uniform, capturing the intensity of baseball pitching. — The New York Yankees are navigating a critical stretch for the AL East title as they manage significant pitching injuries to key bullpen contributors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York Yankees bullpen faces significant injury concerns, including bicep issues for Clarke Schmidt and a partial UCL tear for Fernando Cruz. Management must now rely on internal depth during a critical push for the division title.

Why it matters

The team gambled on existing starters and bullpen arms remaining healthy throughout the season instead of adding reinforcements at the trade deadline. This strategy is now being tested as the club struggles to maintain pitching stability in the final stretch.

Fernando Cruz has recorded a 3.13 ERA across 61 games, while John Schreiber maintains a 2.00 ERA with the Yankees. Brent Headrick has logged 79 total appearances this season and has inherited 50 runners.

The players

Clarke Schmidt

The pitcher returned to the active roster 14 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Fernando Cruz

He is a relief pitcher who maintained a 3.13 ERA over 61 appearances before suffering a partial UCL tear.

Brent Headrick

He has been a durable arm for the bullpen with 79 appearances throughout the 2026 season.

John Schreiber

He is a relief pitcher who has performed effectively with a 2.00 ERA for the Yankees this year.

The details

The Yankees relied on internal pitching depth following a quiet trade deadline on August 3, 2026. Management has specifically restricted usage for several pitchers returning from past surgeries, such as Clarke Schmidt, who came back to the roster 14 months after Tommy John surgery.

August 3, 2026: The MLB trade deadline passed without major bullpen acquisitions.
August 23, 2026: Ryan Weathers was placed on the 15-day IL with a forearm injury.
August 26, 2026: Fernando Cruz was moved to the injured list due to a partial UCL tear.
September 20, 2026: The Yankees lost 8-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
September 22, 2026: The team is scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Season Trajectory

The Yankees currently trail the Tampa Bay Rays by 6 games in the division race. This injury-depleted bullpen must now perform perfectly in the upcoming doubleheader to keep their postseason aspirations alive.

Clarke Schmidt will undergo an immediate medical examination to determine if he can continue pitching through his bicep cramping. The Yankees must sweep their upcoming doubleheader against the Rays to overcome their 6-game deficit in the standings.

The takeaway

The reliance on internal recovery timelines for pitchers requires constant monitoring of physical health. Teams that avoid trade deadline acquisitions face a higher risk of collapse if their depth players experience simultaneous injuries.