The New York Yankees have placed reliever Fernando Cruz on the injured list for the second time this season. After recovering from shoulder inflammation in May, Cruz is now sidelined with a left oblique strain. Such injuries typically require significant recovery time, meaning the Yankees will likely be without one of their top bullpen arms until after the All-Star break in mid-July.
To fill Cruz’s roster spot, the Yankees selected the contract of Geoff Hartlieb from Triple-A. The right-hander showed promise during spring training with a 2.79 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 9.2 innings, though his career 7.37 ERA in 64 MLB appearances raises questions about his ability to contribute. The team designated infielder CJ Alexander for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster for Hartlieb.
Cruz’s absence further depletes a Yankees bullpen already missing key contributors. Yerry De Los Santos remains on the injured list, while Jonathan Loaisiga and Mark Leiter Jr. have struggled with consistency this season. Only Luke Weaver has provided reliable relief work in recent weeks among the team’s middle-inning options.
Hartlieb has posted respectable numbers at Triple-A this season with a 3.34 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 35 innings. However, his 35 hits allowed during that span suggest potential vulnerability against major league hitters. The Yankees will likely use him in low-leverage situations initially to gauge his effectiveness.
The timing of Cruz’s injury presents another challenge for the Yankees’ pitching staff as they approach the All-Star break. While the team hopes for a quick recovery, oblique strains often require extended rehab periods. New York may need to explore additional bullpen options if Hartlieb fails to provide adequate depth during Cruz’s absence.
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