The Yankees made a surprising roster move on Monday.

With their bullpen under pressure after a rough road trip and a painful Subway Series loss, they turned to a fresh arm and selected the contract of right-hander Yovanny Cruz from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

To create room on the active roster, the club optioned 22-year-old starting pitcher Elmer Rodríguez back to Triple-A.

The move came one day after the Yankees let a 5-1 lead slip away against the Mets. Rodríguez gave them 4.1 solid innings, but the bullpen could not hold it.

Ryan Yarbrough was charged with two earned runs. Jake Bird gave up a two-run double to the first batter he faced. And David Bednar later allowed Tyrone Taylor’s game-tying three-run homer before the Mets finished the Yankees off in 10 innings, 7-6.

In that sense, the move was not a shock.

But Rodríguez had done enough to stay in the mix, and Boone actually hinted he'll be on the rotation for at least one more inning until Gerrit Cole completes his full rehab process in the minor league.

However, with Rodríguez now in the minors and ineligible for a quick recall (without an injury), the Yankees are likely willing to end Gerrit Cole’s rehab one start earlier than anticipated.

It’s not officially announced yet, and what happens next remains to be seen.

Can Yovanny Cruz stabilize a rocky Yankees bullpen?

The Yankees' bullpen has a 3.60 ERA, which ranks as the 10th-best in baseball. However, those who watch the games know those numbers are deceptive.

The unit has repeatedly blown leads during what Boone called a rocky 2-7 road trip, leaving fans desperate for a fresh arm to stop the bleeding. Cruz ticks that mark.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the Chicago Cubs in 2016, he spent years in their system before electing free agency after the 2023 season. Then he went to the Padres’ system in 2024 and to the Red Sox’s Double-A squad in 2025.

When the Yankees first launched him into the spotlight during Spring Training this February, he turned heads with his fastballs that reached 102 mph. He also throws a slider/cutter in the high 80s and mixes in an occasional splitter.

Manager Aaron Boone hinted that they considered putting him on the roster, but Cruz eventually started the season in Triple-A.

In 15 appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cruz went 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA. Over 18 innings, he gave up 14 hits, walked 9 batters, allowed 2 home runs, and struck out 23. 

He has struggled a little lately, allowing at least one earned run in his last five outings, but Jovan Alford of Sports Illustrated noted, "Most fans would rather see the Yankees take their chances with Cruz than with Camilo Doval, Paul Blackburn, and whoever else Boone throws out there."

What do you think about the recent roster move? Please let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Md Saife Fida

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil