Fernando Cruz, the New York Yankees pitcher, is gearing up for the postseason with a strong sense of excitement. He describes his anticipation as “outrageous,” especially when facing the Boston Red Sox. Cruz has been inspired by the rivalry since the notorious A-Rod and Varitek incident and now finds himself in the thick of it.
Personal Journey and Career Highlights
Cruz’s journey in baseball has led him to this crucial moment. “It’s something that I dreamed of,” he expressed about his role in the postseason. At 35, he is having a standout year, proving vital to the Yankees’ bullpen.
- Year: 2025
- Team: New York Yankees
- Position: Pitcher
- Innings Pitched: 48
- ERA: 3.56
- FIP: 3.18
- Previous ERA (2024): 4.85
- Previous Team: Cincinnati Reds
Significant Trade
The Yankees acquired Cruz by trading their platinum glove catcher, José Trevino, a beloved figure in the clubhouse. Trevino had been essential for the pitching staff, and Cruz’s performance will determine the return on this investment.
Performance and Strategy
This season, Cruz has thrived, attributed largely to his dominant splitter. Opponents have struggled against this pitch, posting a .170 average and a .280 slugging percentage. Cruz boasts an impressive strikeout rate of 49.2% when using his splitter, making it a crucial part of his arsenal as he enters the postseason.
Focus on the Bullpen
As the Yankees prepare for their series against the Red Sox, Cruz emphasized the bullpen’s role. He stated, “I think we have the best core of relief pitching.” Overcoming mid-season challenges has strengthened the team’s resolve as they head into crucial games.
With the postseason upon them, Cruz is set to make his mark in a rivalry he has long admired. Fans eagerly await to see if he can deliver the performances expected of him during this high-stakes series against Boston.
