Cruz’s Elbow Gamble | New York Yankees News

Fernando Cruz, a key Yankees pitcher sidelined since late August with a partial UCL tear, is defying the odds by opting for a cortisone shot instead of immediate surgery — a risky but bold move aimed at getting him back on the mound before the season ends. With just weeks to prove his arm can handle a throwing program and return to elite form, Cruz insists he’ll only rejoin the team if fully healthy, prioritizing performance over rushing back. His pre-injury stats — a 3.13 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 54⅔ innings — underscore his value, especially as the Yankees battle for a wild card spot. If he succeeds, he could mirror Masahiro Tanaka’s durability; if not, surgery may still loom. The next week will decide whether this gamble pays off — and whether Boone’s bullpen gets a crucial boost. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e1b2d55b8c517889