Home / Sports / Yankees Pitchers Yarbrough and Cruz Kick Off Rehab Assignments with Mixed Results
Yankees Pitchers Yarbrough and Cruz Kick Off Rehab Assignments with Mixed Results
15 Aug
Summary
- Yankees pitchers Yarbrough and Cruz begin rehab assignments
- Yarbrough allows 1 run in 3 innings, Cruz gives up 2 runs in 0.1 innings
- Yarbrough's spot in rotation uncertain upon return, Cruz needed back in bullpen
On August 15, 2025, Yankees pitchers Ryan Yarbrough and Fernando Cruz commenced their rehab assignments with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The two hurlers had mixed results in their first game action since suffering injuries earlier this season.
Yarbrough, who went down with an oblique strain in mid-June, started the game and got off to a strong beginning. After stranding a runner in the first inning, the left-hander made his lone mistake in the second, surrendering a solo home run to Alika Williams. However, Yarbrough settled in and finished his night with a 1-2-3 third inning.
In his 3 innings of work, Yarbrough allowed 1 run on 3 hits, did not issue any walks, and struck out 3 batters. His performance was a positive step in his recovery, though his spot in the Yankees' crowded rotation may not be waiting for him upon his return. The team's current starting five consists of Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Will Warren, the recently returned Luis Gil, and promising rookie Cam Schlittler.
Reliever Fernando Cruz, who was placed on the IL in late June with an oblique strain, did not fare as well in his rehab outing. After giving up a leadoff single in the fourth inning, Cruz walked the next batter and then allowed a run-scoring single. His night ended after just 4 batters, with the 2 runs charged to him crossing the plate.
Despite the rough outing, the Yankees are eager to get Cruz back in the bullpen, as he was one of their most reliable relievers before the injury, posting a 3.00 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 33 innings this season.
