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Yankees Reliever Turns Routine Play into an Awkward Moment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 3, 2025 3:55 PM ET

Baseball is weird. That was the case Saturday in the New York Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Reliever Fernando Cruz pulled off a solid defensive play, and then added something a little unexpected to cap it off.

In the bottom of the seventh, Cruz was on the mound facing Tampa Bay’s Yandy Díaz. The right-handed hitter bounced a routine grounder to first, and Cruz did exactly what pitchers are taught to do. He sprinted to the bag, took the toss from the first baseman, and stepped on the base for the out.

Play over.

But Cruz wasn’t done.

As Díaz jogged by, Cruz casually reached out and gave him a light spank on the backside.

Awkward.

Fernando Cruz shared a moment with Yandy Díaz at first base pic.twitter.com/lNrMrE6yT2
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 3, 2025

There was no tension. It was just an odd little moment between two players who may or may not know each other.

Díaz didn’t react. The Tampa Bay Rays’ designated hitter just kept jogging, maybe a little confused or surprised.

Cruz, for his part, looked completely relaxed. Like this wasn’t even the strangest thing he’s done today.

Cruz has been a standout in the Yankees' bullpen this season, posting a 1.45 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 18.2 innings pitched. His impressive performance includes a 0.80 WHIP and two saves, making him one of the most reliable relievers in the league.

He’s made it very clear he is thrilled to be a Yankee and loving every moment in pinstripes.

Saturday was another moment. One that made the rounds on social media, as fans tried to figure out whether it was friendly, funny, or just bizarre.

Or maybe that’s just Cruz.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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