Yankees' Fernando Cruz solid in return from injured list after shoulder injury
Share and Follow

On an otherwise forgettable night, the best sight for the Yankees was a healthy Fernando Cruz on the mound.

The powerful right-handed pitcher made a successful comeback after being sidelined due to shoulder inflammation. He made his return in Wednesday’s game against the Guardians in The Bronx.

Cruz, who hadn’t pitched since May 17, had a solid performance. He struck out three batters and gave up two hits, one of which was a home run by Kyle Manzardo, in the eighth inning. Despite his time off, Cruz felt strong on the mound.

Manager Aaron Boone was impressed with Cruz’s performance, stating, “I thought the stuff was really good. I thought the fastball was good and tallied up three more of the worst swings I’ve seen off the forkball or whatever.” Cruz’s role becomes even more crucial with Luke Weaver out of action.

The forkball (or splitter) again was devastating — inducing nine swings from Cleveland batters and five whiffs — and Cruz was only dented by a second-pitch home run from Manzardo, who reversed a four-seamer over the wall in right-center.

Cruz said he felt Manzardo was sitting fastball and guessed right, which happens.

More encouraging was the overall stuff and Cruz’s health.


Fernando Cruz throws a pitch during the eighth inning of the Yankees' 4-0 loss to the Guardians on June 4, 2025.
Fernando Cruz throws a pitch during the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Guardians on June 4, 2025. Bill Kostroun / New York Post

“I feel amazing,” said Cruz, who owns a 2.92 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 24 ²/₃ innings. “Velocity was there, stuff was there, splitter feels amazing. Everything felt amazing out of my hand.

“It’s time to give the team what it needs. I’m ready. I’m good.”


The Yankees are approaching a Giancarlo Stanton decision.

After building up with over a week’s worth of live batting practice at-bats in Tampa, the slugger would “probably” be heading back to New York soon, Aaron Boone said.


Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton Robert Sabo / New York Post

The Yankees manager did not yet know the next step for Stanton but said the decision would be made “hopefully in the next 24 hours.”

It is at least possible that Stanton — who has skipped rehab assignments in the past because he feels the high-velocity machines especially can approximate major league pitching — does not get sent to Double-A Somerset or Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but Stanton said last month he thought he would need a rehab assignment.

Because Stanton does not play the field, Boone has said that he hasn’t known what a rehab assignment would look like.

Stanton missed all of spring training and two months of the season so far with elbow tendinitis in both arms, injuries that he has called “severe.”

Stanton has said that whenever he does return, he will be playing through pain.


The All-Star Game ballot was announced Wednesday, which features Austin Wells at catcher, Paul Goldschmidt at first base, Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, DJ LeMahieu at third base, Anthony Volpe at shortstop, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham in the outfield and Ben Rice at designated hitter.


After being designated for assignment again, Carlos Carrasco cleared waivers and was outrighted back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.


Dominic Smith, who had opted out of his minor league deal with the Yankees on Sunday, signed a major league deal with the Giants.

Smith posted a .782 OPS with eight home runs in 45 games with SWB.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump's border czar challenges heckler to a fight during unhinged rant

Trump’s Border Czar Confronts Heckler in Heated Exchange

Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan had some strong words for a heckler…
Trial begins for woman accused of murdering ex's family with beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms

Woman found guilty in mushroom murder mystery that left three family members dead after meal

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A woman who poisoned…
Boeing settles with Paul Njoroge, man whose wife, 3 children died in 737 Max crash in Ethiopia in 2019, averting trial in Chicago

Boeing reaches settlement with Paul Njoroge, man who lost wife and 3 children in 2019 Ethiopian 737 Max crash, avoiding trial in Chicago

CHICAGO — Boeing reached a settlement Friday with a Canadian man whose…
I'm in love my coworker — I don't know to break the news to my boyfriend

I’ve fallen for a coworker—How do I tell my boyfriend?

DEAR ABBY: I’m 29 and in a long-term relationship with my boyfriend,…
Steel is booming in Arkansas — so why are so many people still struggling to get by?

Despite the steel industry thriving in Arkansas, why are numerous individuals continuing to face financial difficulties?

Between 2015 and 2023, the most recent data available, median rents here…
Club World Cup: Will Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain take home the trophy?

Predicting the Club World Cup winner: Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain

The FIFA Club World Cup final takes place at MetLife Stadium in…
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Protesters in Gaza target Hamas For the first time since Hamas seized…
Happy Gilmore’s Legendary Hockey Stick Putter Is Finally for Sale — Just in Time for the Netflix Sequel

Happy Gilmore’s famous hockey stick putter is now available for purchase – perfect timing for the upcoming Netflix sequel film!

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking a putt like Happy Gilmore, now’s…