NEW YORK – The New York Yankees absorbed a devastating triple punch of injuries Monday night during their 5-4 defeat to Toronto. The latest casualty report features reliever Fernando Cruz heading to the injured list, outfielder Trent Grisham nursing a hamstring problem, and catcher Austin Wells undergoing extensive medical testing for a finger circulation issue.
The injury avalanche strikes the Yankees at a critical juncture as they fight to maintain their American League East supremacy entering July.
Cruz heads to IL with oblique injury
Bill Kostroun/NYP
Fernando Cruz became the latest Yankees reliever to join the walking wounded, landing on the 15-day injured list with a severe oblique strain. The veteran right-hander suffered the injury during pre-game warmups with a medicine ball before Sunday’s contest against Athletics.
Yankees skipper Aaron Boone ruled out any return before the All-Star break for the 35-year-old reliever. Cruz previously missed significant time in May battling right shoulder inflammation, marking his second IL stint this campaign.
Since arriving from Cincinnati in the Jose Trevino trade last December, Cruz has emerged as the Yankees bullpen cornerstone. His dominant numbers tell the story – a league-leading 41.2% strikeout rate among relievers and a devastating 50% whiff rate powered by his signature splitter. The Puerto Rican hurler carries a 3.00 ERA while sharing the team lead in fWAR among relievers with Mark Leiter Jr.
Boone remains optimistic despite the setback. “You got to be able to navigate that. We have a lot of capable people that hopefully will be able to step up in different situations. Hopefully, it’s not too long and we get him back, and hopefully (he is) just a little fresher for the rest of the way.”
The Yankees moved quickly to address the bullpen gap, signing right-hander Geoff Hartlieb to a major league deal. The 31-year-old impressed during spring training as a non-roster invitee and posted a solid 3.34 ERA across 35 innings with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“He was definitely a guy that I think stood out — like, this guy’s going to be able to help us this year,” the Yankees manager said of Hartlieb.
Leiter Jr., who ranks second on the team in strikeout percentage behind Cruz, figures to shoulder increased high-leverage responsibilities.
Grisham suffers hamstring problem in Yankees game vs. Toronto
Trent Grisham’s evening ended abruptly in the fifth inning after developing left hamstring tightness. He sustained a hamstring injury during the bottom of the fourth inning when he pulled up on a potential diving attempt at a two-out single by Jonatan Clase. The Yankees OF mentioned that his spike had caught underneath him during the play, which led to enough discomfort that he couldn’t continue for the remainder of the game.
Despite recording a single and run in that same inning, Grisham didn’t emerge for his scheduled fifth-inning at-bat. Cody Bellinger slid over to center field while Jasson Domínguez entered the contest.
According to Grisham, the pain wasn’t manageable enough to justify staying in.
When asked about how concerned he was, the Yankees star shared that he was trying to remain optimistic and intended to see how it felt the following morning. He acknowledged having dealt with hamstring issues before, but said this one felt different—though not necessarily worse, just unlike previous experiences.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed after the game that Grisham had not been sent for an MRI or any further testing. Instead, he was being evaluated and treated by team trainers. Boone stated it was unclear whether the situation would be managed on a day-to-day basis or if it would require a stint on the injured list, but said the hope was that it wouldn’t turn out to be anything too prolonged.
Grisham, who struggled earlier in the season with limited playing time—batting .190 with a .675 OPS in his first 76 games—has seen improved production since earning a more regular role. Through 72 games this year, he is slashing .246/.348/.467 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs, good for a .815 OPS.
Boone praised Grisham’s all-around contributions, noting that he’s been an important two-way player this season. The manager added that regardless of the injury’s outcome, the Yankees would find a way to work through it, reiterating his hope that it’s not a significant setback.
Grisham also indicated he didn’t expect to undergo any further testing Tuesday morning.
Wells undergoes tests for continued finger issue
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Austin Wells sat out his fourth game in five contests Monday while dealing with a circulation problem affecting his left index finger. The concerning symptoms prompted comprehensive weekend testing to eliminate the possibility of blood clots or aneurysms.
The Yankees catcher revealed the issue has lingered throughout the season. “It’s just damage to the artery to the finger, from impact of the baseball over time. They’re hoping that over time, it’ll find a new route.”
Boone downplayed performance concerns related to the injury. “It’s not something that bothers him playing,” the manager said, adding that the organization “did all due diligence to make sure he’s in a good spot.”
The young Yankees catcher expects to return Wednesday following a routine Tuesday schedule. Wells has struggled at the plate recently, batting .214 with 11 homers and 45 RBI in 69 games this season. His recent cold streak shows just .140 over his last dozen appearances.
“Still kind of gives you that big at-bat,” Boone noted while acknowledging Wells’ timing has been “a little off.”
Ben Rice has stepped up behind the plate with Escarra on paternity leave. The Yankees may need to evaluate their catching depth more closely depending on Wells’ response this week.
Mounting injury concerns
The Yankees’ medical report continues expanding as the team approaches a crucial pre-All-Star break stretch. Cruz joins an extensive list of sidelined relievers in 2025, including Jonathan Loáisiga, Luke Weaver, Jake Cousins, and Yerry De Los Santos.
Position players haven’t escaped the injury bug either. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton have battled recurring problems throughout the summer months.
This fresh wave of injuries will challenge organizational depth in both the bullpen and behind home plate. The timing couldn’t be worse as the Yankees work to solidify their position atop the AL East standings.
Boone’s priority remains to keep his available roster healthy and motivated while navigating this latest adversity.
The Yankees‘ championship aspirations depend on successfully managing these injury challenges during the season’s most demanding stretch.
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