NEW YORK — Two New York Yankees relievers are weighing possible elbow surgeries.
The developments leave New York without two bullpen options as it enters the final weeks of the regular season and continues its pursuit of Tampa Bay in the AL East.
The Yankees entered Thursday at 75-57 after defeating Houston 9-3 Wednesday. New York remained 3.5 games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East while holding the American League’s top wild-card position.
Cruz diagnosed with partial UCL tear
Fernando Cruz was diagnosed with a partial UCL tear. He is seeking a second opinion after tests revealed the partial tear in his right elbow. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tommy John surgery is among the options being considered for the 36-year-old right-hander.
The Yankees initially placed Cruz on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with what the club described as right elbow discomfort.
The move came one day after Cruz allowed a two-run homer to Jeremy Pena during New York’s 9-7 loss to Houston at Yankee Stadium.
Further testing revealed the partial UCL tear.
Cruz plans to obtain another medical opinion before deciding on treatment. Tommy John surgery, which would require a lengthy rehabilitation and keep him out well into the 2027 season, is one of the possibilities.
Regardless of the ultimate treatment choice, Cruz is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 regular season.
Cruz is 4-6 with two saves and a 3.13 ERA in 61 appearances this season.
His performance had declined during the second half. Cruz carried a 2.20 ERA before the All-Star break but allowed nine earned runs and five home runs over 13 2/3 innings during a difficult stretch afterward.
The Yankees acquired Cruz before the 2025 season, and his splitter has made him one of the club’s primary strikeout relievers.
His injury removes an experienced right-handed option from Boone’s late-inning mix.
Kervin Castro scheduled to meet with elbow specialist
Kervin Castro’s elbow neuritis failed to improve enough for a return. His situation remains less defined.
The Yankees transferred Castro from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday while making a series of roster moves.
Castro, meanwhile, will meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to discuss whether surgery is needed for the right elbow issue that has sidelined him since Aug. 10.
The Yankees have not announced that Tommy John surgery is specifically under consideration for Castro.
The 27-year-old right-hander has been sidelined with right elbow neuritis. He is scheduled to meet with Meister to determine whether surgery is necessary.
Castro last pitched Aug. 9 against Atlanta, throwing a scoreless inning on six pitches.
New York placed him on the injured list two days later, retroactive to Aug. 10.
The initial expectation left open the possibility of a return later in August or September. His transfer to the 60-day IL eliminates that possibility during the regular season.
Castro had pitched well during his brief opportunity with the Yankees.
He allowed one earned run in 6 1/3 innings across five appearances, striking out eight and walking two.
The Yankees have not disclosed structural damage to Castro’s UCL, and no specific surgical procedure has been announced.
His upcoming consultation will determine the next step.
Yankees make bullpen changes
The two elbow issues prompted additional movement on the Yankees pitching staff.
New York signed veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer and added him to the active roster Wednesday.
The Yankees also recalled right-hander Elmer Rodriguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and optioned Bradley Hanner to Triple-A. Castro’s transfer to the 60-day injured list created a 40-man roster opening.
Fulmer, 33, spent most of this season in Triple-A with affiliates of the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels. He went 4-2 with 10 saves and a 2.93 ERA in 38 minor league appearances.
He also made three relief appearances for the Angels before becoming a free agent.
Cruz’s absence could create additional setup opportunities for Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn behind closer David Bednar.
Castro had not yet established a regular late-inning role but had emerged as another bullpen option before his injury.
For the Yankees, both pitchers remain unavailable while their elbow injuries move from short-term roster issues to potential surgical cases.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
