Yankees place reliever Cruz on injured list, call up ex-All-Star Fulmer

The New York Yankees have placed 36-year-old right-handed relief pitcher Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow. To fill his roster spot, the team recalled 33-year-old former All-Star right-hander Michael Fulmer.

Cruz's placement on the IL comes after he pitched one inning in the Yankees' 7-9 loss to the Astros yesterday, allowing a two-run home run. This season, Cruz has appeared in 61 games, posting a 4-6 record with a 3.13 ERA, 19 holds, and 2 saves. His opponents' batting average is .207, and his WHIP is 1.34.

However, Cruz's performance has declined since the All-Star break. In his last 17 appearances, he has recorded 3 losses and his ERA has climbed to 5.52, during which he has surrendered 5 home runs. The Yankees are awaiting the results of Cruz's imaging tests, with manager Aaron Boone noting that the training staff recommended the IL move before the results are known.

Cruz becomes the 17th Yankee player to be placed on the injured list this season and the second player in four days to land on the IL, following left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers, who was sidelined with a forearm strain.

Fulmer, meanwhile, spent time in the minor leagues this year with Triple-A affiliates of the Giants and Angels. He appeared in 38 games, compiling a 4-2 record with a 2.93 ERA, 10 saves, and 2 holds, while holding opponents to a .209 batting average. Fulmer was designated for assignment by the Angels' Triple-A team on August 23 and became a free agent two days later before signing with the Yankees.

Fulmer was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and an All-Star in 2017. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and elbow surgery in 2024. With nine years of MLB experience, Fulmer has a career record of 37-50 with a 3.92 ERA, having played for the Tigers, Cubs, Twins, Angels, and Red Sox.