The Yankees‘ bullpen has two big pieces en route back to the Bronx.
Ryan Yarbrough (oblique) and Fernando Cruz (oblique) have progressed in their rehab, manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
Cruz threw a live session at Double-A Somerset on Sunday and Yabrough took a step as well.
“It went well,” said Boone. “[Cruz threw] 19 pitches. Yarbrough did two ups. So, they’ll both start their rehab on Thursday. I think with Cruz, we plan on going [rehab] Thursday, Sunday and probably Tuesday then he’ll be in play potentially after that. With Yarbrough, it just depends how much we want to build him up. It’s just do we grab him or do we keep building him up so we’ll see.”
Cruz will be a much-needed addition to the Bombers’ bullpen. The 35-year-old owns a 3.00 ERA in 32 games this season and boasts one of the best strikeout rates in baseball at 41.2 percent. The right-hander has been on the IL since June 27.
As for Yarbrough, it remains to be seen how he will be used when he gets back. The southpaw was a part of the Yankees’ starting rotation when he went down on June 18. Boone said it depends on what the situation is with the rotation and when they determine Yarbrough is ready.
The 33-year-old has pitched to a 3.90 ERA this season in 16 games — 8 being starts,
JUDGE THROWS ON FIELD
Giancarlo Stanton was back in right field on Monday night as the Yanks await Aaron Judge being ready to return to the field. The Captain is still recovering from a right elbow strain and was seen on the field progressing in his throwing program before the game.
The two-time MVP is not expected to return to right field this series against the Twins.
OSWALDO CABRERA UPDATE
Yankees utility man Oswaldo Cabrera was seen walking around the clubhouse on Monday. The 26-year-old has been on the injured list with a gruesome left ankle fracture and ligament damage since May 12. It remains to be seen if Cabrera can return to the field this season, however, he admitted the chances are small.
“It’s a small window for sure,” Cabrera told the Daily News. “But we are working on that still, we are still working. We are in good weeks where it’s really important to see where I’m at like running, yoga and all of those things. Right now I’m doing small hops and a lot of work in the water but no baseball activities.”
Cabrera was slashing .243/.322/.308 with one homer and 11 RBI in 34 games played this season.
Originally Published:
