Yankees Sign Geoff Hartlieb and Place Fernando Cruz on Injured List: What This Means for the Team

The New York Yankees recently faced a tough blow with the injury of Fernando Cruz. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Cruz has a “high-grade” oblique strain, meaning he’ll be out for quite some time. This situation opened up new roles for pitchers like Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Mark Leiter Jr. as the team looks to fill the gap in their bullpen.

To address this, the Yankees have brought in Geoff Hartlieb, a right-handed reliever who has had a rocky MLB journey. At 31 years old, this will be his fifth team in seven years. He made his debut with the Pirates in 2019 and has since played for multiple clubs, including the Mets and Marlins. Hartlieb’s stats in the major leagues have been concerning, with a 7.37 ERA. However, his performance in Triple-A has been notable, where he’s posted a 3.34 ERA over 35 innings this season.

One interesting aspect of Hartlieb’s game is his increased use of sliders. This season, over half of his pitches in Triple-A have been sliders, way up from 37.3% last year. This change has contributed to a significant rise in his strikeout rate. In fact, his impressive 17.2% swinging-strike rate puts him in a competitive position among relievers.

On the other hand, Cruz was proving to be a valuable asset for the Yankees. Since joining from the Reds, he has delivered an impressive 3.00 ERA and a staggering 41.2% strikeout rate. His splitter has become a devastating weapon; hitters struggle against it, managing just a .136 batting average.

C.J. Alexander’s situation also adds to the team’s dynamics. Recently claimed off waivers from the Athletics, Alexander hasn’t made a mark yet with the Yankees. With a low batting average in Triple-A, he faces uncertainty about his future. The Yankees have to decide whether to trade him or place him on waivers soon.

In the realm of baseball injuries, it’s worth noting that oblique strains are becoming all too common. Recent studies show that athletes in various sports are reporting a rise in these kinds of injuries due to increased training intensity and schedules. As teams adapt, they often look for alternative strategies, like focusing on pitching techniques or recovery protocols, to mitigate future injuries.

Overall, the Yankees are navigating a challenging time with roster changes and injuries. The shift in roles for pitchers like Williams, Weaver, and Leiter Jr. will be crucial in how the team stabilizes during Cruz’s absence. The upcoming games will reveal how these adjustments play out on the field.



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