May 10, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz (63) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Yankees Place Key Reliever on Injured List

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated May 22, 2025 11:13 AM ET

The New York Yankees made a series of roster moves before their series finale against the Texas Rangers.

On Twitter, the club announced that right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 19) with right shoulder inflammation. Left-hander Brent Headrick was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in his place.

Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Recalled LHP Brent Headrick (#47) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Placed RHP Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 5/19) with right shoulder inflammation.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 22, 2025

After a walk-off win on Wednesday night, Yankees manager Aaron Boone mentioned to reporters that Cruz was dealing with a shoulder injury. While he said that imaging didn't reveal anything significant, the club will play things safe and have him recover at his own pace.

Per YES Network's Meredith Marakovits, Cruz felt a pull in his trap several days ago and went to get the issue checked out. His MRI, as previously mentioned, showed no structural damage and just inflammation.

Fernando Cruz said he felt a little pull in his trap the other day which prompted him to get checked out. MRI showed no structural damage in shoulder etc. Just inflammation. Had a cortisone shot … will play catch today #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) May 22, 2025

Cruz, who came over in a trade from the Cincinnati Reds this past offseason, has been one of the league's best relievers so far this year, posting a 2.66 ERA with 13.31 strikeouts per nine across 21 outings and 23 2/3 innings.

Headrick, whom the Yankees claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins in February, has recorded a spotless 0.00 ERA with nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 frames and four outings in the majors this season.

At Triple-A, he's responsible for a 3.72 ERA over eight appearances and 9 2/3 innings.

Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more!