The New York Yankees have added left-hander Diago Diagonal to their roster, placing right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list. They also called up right-handed pitcher Jeff Hartlieve from Triple-A. Catcher Austin Wells was absent from the lineup for the second consecutive day due to a circulation issue in one finger on his left hand. Manager Aaron Boone believes this injury is likely related to the strain from catching, but tests have ruled out a blood clot. Boone expects Wells to return by Wednesday, with JC Escala filling in as catcher in the meantime.
Wells has posted a .214 batting average with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs over 69 games this season, after hitting a career-high 13 home runs last year. Cruz’s injury is retroactive to June 28; the four-year veteran, now in his first year with the Yankees, holds a 2-3 record with a 3.00 ERA and two saves in three opportunities. He has not allowed a run in 26 of his 32 appearances and has retired eight consecutive batters without giving up a hit. His strikeout rate of 41.2% leads pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched, ranking third in strikeouts per nine innings behind only Minnesota’s Griffin Jax and Athletics’ Mason Miller.
Boone reported that Cruz felt pain warming up with a medicine ball before Sunday’s win over the Athletics and subsequently underwent an MRI. Cruz did not pitch from May 17 to June 4 due to inflammation in his right shoulder. To accommodate Hartlieve on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated infielder CJ Alexander for assignment.
Fan Take: This roster shuffle highlights the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to manage injuries while maintaining competitive depth, which is crucial as the season progresses. Baseball fans should watch closely how these changes affect the team’s dynamics and performance, signaling the importance of flexibility and resilience in a long season.
