Fernando Cruz says 'supernatural' gift may allow him to pitch again for Yankees in 2026

NEW YORK — On the injured list since Aug. 26 with right elbow discomfort, it appeared the season might be over for New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz, especially after a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) was discovered.

However, on Tuesday afternoon inside the Yankees clubhouse, the 36-year-old Cruz said he is going to try to work his way back from the injury thanks to some divine intervention.

"It was a supernatural thing because obviously we heard a lot of Tommy John expectations, a lot of operation, surgery here and there, lost season, whatever. 2027 is over," Cruz said. "But when I walked out of the (doctor's) office, it was like, 'OK, I'm going to pitch again.' It's just something that only Jesus can do that."

Could Fernando Cruz really return to New York Yankees in 2026?

Cruz still has a partial tear in that UCL and admitted he is taking a chance on the tear getting worse if he ramps up his routine to get back into game throwing shape. However, he feels that he owes it to the Yankees as they make their postseason push to give it a try.

"I love the organization. I love the Yankees. This was my team growing up. It would be horrible if I don't try to come back and help this team accomplish what we want," Cruz said. "It is my goal to come back and do what is best, obviously, but being really honest because I don't want to be play the hero here. I want to come back. I want to come back 100% and help the team accomplish what we started in spring training."

New York entered Tuesday's series opener in the Bronx against the Colorado Rockies with an 81-62 mark and in control of an American League wild-card spot. The Yankees also welcomed Aaron Judge back into the lineup for the first time since May 31, strengthening the offense in a big way.

A potential Cruz return could fortify the New York bullpen in the same way if he can spring back into the form he displayed before the All-Star break when he posted a 2.25 ERA over 40.0 innings in 44 games.

However, the second half of the season hasn't been as kind to Cruz, who has a 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings over 17 games.

Cruz said he will begin throwing again at the end of the week and will know more about a potential return then. Until then, he is planning to do everything he can to impact the Yankees on their way to meaningful October baseball.

And he's going to do that with a feeling in his arm that he said he has been through before.

"This happened to me at least three or four times in my career," Cruz said. "I was the guy that had to pitch to be able to pay the mortgage, to be able to pay rent, to be able to pay water, electricity in Puerto Rico, and I'm proud of that. There were no options before. Now I have options of people that care, but back then I didn't have options.

"I'm used to having to go through the grind of throwing with pain and whatever, and I think I've been in a worse situation than I am right now."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.