The New York Yankees made a few roster moves ahead of Monday’s series opener in Toronto.
Most notably, reliever Fernando Cruz was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, retroactive to June 28. Cruz had just returned on June 3 following a stint on the injured list for shoulder inflammation. Over 32 outings this season, the 35-year-old right-hander has recorded a 3.00 ERA with a 2-3 record and two saves.
To fill the bullpen spot, New York recalled right-hander Geoff Hartlieb from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Hartlieb, 31, has pitched for five major league teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies. Over parts of five seasons, he owns a 1-1 record and a 7.37 ERA in 79.1 innings. At Triple-A this year, he’s logged a 3-2 mark with a 3.34 ERA and two saves in 24 games.
Infielder CJ Alexander was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster. The Yankees claimed Alexander off waivers from the Athletics on June 8, but he did not appear in a game for New York. The 28-year-old has played 10 career big league games between the Kansas City Royals and Athletics, hitting .160 (4-for-25) without an extra-base hit or a walk.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].