The New York Yankees have sent pitcher Yovanny Cruz back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, a decision made despite the right-hander's promising performances in his initial major league games. Manager Aaron Boone stated that Cruz needs to continue working on his command and his splitter, elements crucial for his development as a potential late-inning reliever.
Cruz, 26, has not issued a walk in 4 ⅓ major league innings this season. However, he has posted a walk rate of 4.1 per nine innings at the Triple-A level. During his recent outings in the majors, Cruz showcased impressive velocity, averaging 101.1 mph with his four-seamer against the Tigers. He also utilized a splitter, a pitch he has thrown more frequently in recent minor league appearances than in earlier ones, which generated two whiffs in five swings.
"The splitter, which we saw the other night, is kind of a new thing for him," Boone said. "So we want him to continue to get that going because if he’s got that splitter going and the strike-throwing going, then it gets really exciting."
This is not the first time Cruz has been optioned after a brief stint in the majors. He was initially called up in May, recording three strikeouts in 2 ⅓ scoreless, one-hit innings against the Blue Jays before being sent down. The Yankees' roster moves this week also included activating David Bednar from the paternity list, with other players like Jake Bird, Camilo Doval, and Brent Headrick available for minor league assignments without requiring waivers. Instead, the Yankees opted to demote Cruz, emphasizing their belief in his potential while noting the need for refinement.
"We’re super encouraged," Boone said of Cruz. "But want him to continue to work and have that splitter going, too."
In other roster news, the Yankees activated Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon. José Caballero has been starting at shortstop, with manager Boone indicating he would utilize Caballero's versatility and plan for him to see more time at the position. Anthony Volpe will also continue to see time at shortstop, and the team is working to balance their playing time. Caballero's recent shortstop starts were impacted by other player ailments forcing lineup adjustments.
Following the activation of McMahon and Grisham, Oswaldo Cabrera was optioned. Additionally, Spencer Jones was optioned after Friday's game to make room for Brendan Beck, who is scheduled to start on Saturday. Lefty prospect Kyle Carr has been promoted from Double-A Somerset to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Carr has a 4.32 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 66 ⅔ innings pitched for Somerset.