Yankees Pitcher Fernando Cruz Resumed Throwing

Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz has returned to throwing after being sidelined for nearly a month.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive illustration of a baseball pitcher in a navy and white uniform throwing a ball, conveying movement and sports focus. — New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz resumed throwing activities on Monday, marking his first on-field work since being sidelined with a partially torn elbow ligament in late August. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz has resumed throwing activities for the first time since being sidelined on August 25, 2026. The 36-year-old athlete had been out of action due to a partially torn right UCL in his elbow.

Why it matters

Cruz has been a reliable piece of the bullpen, providing pitching depth through 61 appearances. His return to throwing marks a critical step in assessing his potential availability for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Fernando Cruz posted a 4-6 record and a 3.13 ERA across 61 appearances in the 2026 season. He also recorded two saves before his injury led to a diagnosis of a partially torn right UCL.

The players

Fernando Cruz

He is a 36-year-old relief pitcher for the New York Yankees who has appeared in 61 games this season.

Aaron Boone

He is the manager of the New York Yankees who oversees player personnel decisions and injury updates for the team.

The details

Cruz completed his first throwing session on September 23, 2026, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone. The medical staff has been monitoring the partially torn right UCL since the injury occurred in late August.

August 25, 2026: Fernando Cruz was sidelined with an elbow injury.
September 23, 2026: Aaron Boone provided an update regarding the pitcher's return to throwing.

Season Trajectory

The return of a veteran arm like Cruz significantly impacts the Yankees' bullpen depth as they navigate the final stages of the 2026 season. His availability could be a deciding factor for the team's postseason pitching rotation and overall defensive configuration.

Cruz's return to throwing activity may influence managerial decisions regarding the bullpen's late-inning usage for the remainder of the season. His presence affects fantasy baseball rosters and the team's depth chart as they finalize their pitching assignments.

The takeaway

Players with UCL injuries often face a narrow path between rehabilitation and surgery that requires careful monitoring of throwing volume. Monitoring these individual recovery milestones is essential for understanding how team depth may change during the late season push.