Two key New York Yankees pitchers took the mound Saturday at Dodger Stadium for crucial live batting practice sessions. But their paths back to the active roster couldn’t be more different.
Fernando Cruz appeared ready to rejoin the bullpen after recovering from shoulder inflammation. Marcus Stroman’s return timeline remains murky. However, more concerns arise about his Yankees future following comments made by pitching coach Matt Blake.
Both pitchers faced live hitters during the Yankees’ preparation for their series finale against Los Angeles. Cruz looked sharp and declared himself ready for action. Stroman threw well but faces roster complications that could determine his future in pinstripes.
Cruz shows he’s ready for action
The 35-year-old Yankees right-hander impressed during his 18-pitch session against Pablo Reyes and J.C. Escarra. Cruz has been sidelined since May 22 with right shoulder inflammation. Saturday marked his first time facing batters since landing on the injured list.
“I threw all my pitches for strikes, and the velocity was there,” Cruz said. “I wasn’t even trying to throw hard and the ball was coming out really good. I feel really healthy.”
Cruz arrived from Cincinnati via a December trade and quickly became a bullpen cornerstone. He posted a 2.66 ERA across 21 appearances before his injury. The veteran struck out 35 batters while allowing just 15 hits in 23⅔ innings for the Yankees.
His shoulder problems surfaced during a May 17 Yankees’ Subway Series game against the Mets. The brief disabled list stint allowed proper healing time.
“I think [the injured list stint] was worth it,” Cruz explained. “The pain I was going through needed to be fixed. This time will make me even better, I think.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expects to activate Cruz during the upcoming homestand against Cleveland. The bullpen has handled an increased workload due to rotation instability throughout the season.
Stroman faces a complex Yankees return scenario
Marcus Stroman‘s situation presents greater challenges for Yankees decision-makers. The 34-year-old left-hander threw two innings and 33 pitches in his first live-action since April 11.
Left knee inflammation has kept Stroman out since his rain-shortened start at Yankee Stadium. While his throwing session went well, roster mathematics complicated his return.
Boone acknowledged Stroman “looked really sharp” during the workout. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake offered a more cautious assessment of the situation.
“We’re building the pitch count up a little bit, making sure the knee is responding well,” Blake said. “We’ve got five starters currently, so you’re starting to talk about roster decisions.”
That’s where the issue lies. With Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), Luis Gil (lat strain), and Clarke Schmidt (delayed spring ramp-up) previously sidelined, Stroman was penciled in as a key rotation piece to start 2025. But his early-season struggles — an 11.57 ERA across three starts.
Fill-in starters have since stabilized the Yankees’ rotation. Ryan Yarbrough emerged as a reliable fifth starter. Schmidt returned to health. Rookie Will Warren showed promise despite recent struggles.
This depth creates a roster crunch that didn’t exist when Stroman first went down.
Financial factors cloud Stroman’s future
Stroman’s Yankees contract adds another layer of complexity to his return. He’s earning the second year of a two-year, $37 million deal. A vesting option worth $18.5 million for 2026 kicks in if he reaches 140 innings pitched.
His extended absence makes reaching that threshold unlikely. This development could benefit the Yankees financially if they choose to move on.
Recent reports from the New York Post suggest the organization may explore trading Stroman rather than forcing him back into the rotation. The veteran expressed frustration with trade rumors during the offseason.
Stroman has consistently maintained his preference to remain a starting pitcher. However, the current Yankees roster construction may only offer bullpen opportunities.
Whether the former All-Star accepts a relief role remains an open question. His response could accelerate potential trade discussions.
Different timelines for each
Cruz appears headed for immediate activation without a minor league rehab assignment. The Yankees view him as ready for immediate major-league action. His return strengthens a bullpen that ranks among the American League’s top five in ERA and WHIP.
Stroman requires a more extensive build-up process. Blake indicated a spring training-style progression spanning several weeks. Multiple outings will be necessary before he’s ready for game action.
The Yankees’ cautious approach suggests no urgency to return Stroman to the active roster. Boone avoided setting any specific timeline for the veteran’s return.
Trade deadline considerations loom large with just eight weeks remaining. Front office decisions about Stroman’s role will impact roster construction and payroll flexibility.
Yankees navigate roster decisions
The Yankees maintain a strong AL East positioning at 35-22 entering Sunday’s series finale. They’ve remained competitive despite constant rotation changes and heavy bullpen usage.
Cruz’s return should provide the late-inning stability the team desperately needs. His proven track record offers reliable depth for high-leverage situations.
Stroman’s future depends on multiple factors beyond his physical health. The Yankees must weigh his salary, performance history, and current roster needs.
The organization faces critical choices about whether Stroman fits their long-term plans. His knee recovery and mindset will influence whatever role they envision.
Current rotation stability may eliminate Stroman’s previous spot. The Yankees appear comfortable with their current five-man group.
The road ahead
Cruz’s path back to the Yankees appears straightforward and imminent. His health and performance indicate readiness for immediate contribution.
Stroman’s situation requires a more complex evaluation. Physical recovery represents just one piece of a larger puzzle involving roster construction and financial considerations.
The Yankees must determine if reconfiguring their functional rotation makes sense. High-priced veterans don’t always fit into evolving team structures.
Stroman’s acceptance of any proposed role could determine his Bronx future. The coming weeks will reveal whether he remains part of New York’s championship aspirations.
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