Fernando Cruz, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, is expected to miss the first playoff series due to an injury to his right elbow. However, according to José Cruz, the team's exercise physiologist and physical trainer, Fernando Cruz is projected to return to pitching in the second round of the postseason if the Yankees advance from the American League wild card series.
Cruz was placed on the injured list on August 26, and initial reports suggested a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, which could have required Tommy John surgery and ended his season. Nevertheless, less than two weeks later, it was announced that Cruz would undergo a more conservative rehabilitation process to avoid surgery, at least for the time being.
The Yankees have already secured their playoff spot and are likely to face the Boston Red Sox in the wild card series. If the Yankees win the series, Cruz may see action in his second playoffs, depending on his progress.