NEW YORK -- The discomfort near Fernando Cruz's right elbow felt familiar, prompting the Yankees reliever to believe it might be something he could pitch through. The results said otherwise.
Cruz’s second-half struggles prompted the Yankees reliever to mention the lingering issue after surrendering a game-tying home run to the Astros’ Jeremy Peña on Tuesday.
An MRI taken on Wednesday revealed a partial tear of his right ulnar collateral ligament, with season-ending surgery on the table. The 36-year-old Cruz said he is seeking a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister.
“We’re looking at options,” Cruz said. “I’m really peaceful in terms of how I’m feeling. I have a powerful giant, like I always say. His name is Jesus. I know the best is yet to come in terms of my health.”
In his second season with the Yankees, Cruz pitched to a 4-6 record and 3.13 ERA across 61 appearances, finishing nine games with two saves.
Known for a devastating splitter that helped generate 72 strikeouts in 48 innings last season, Cruz had been having difficulty getting swings and misses of late, saying he was prioritizing contact instead.
“I would say it’s been happening the last 20 days, three weeks,” Cruz said. “I was handling it, hanging in there, battling. Obviously, it didn’t work out. … I felt this before in my career, three or four times, but I battled through it and kept pitching.”
Opponents knocked Cruz to a 5.52 ERA in 17 appearances after the All-Star break, compared with a 2.25 ERA in 44 appearances before.
“We’ll try and do what’s best for Fernando,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s been such a great person for our team, and our room, and how he goes about things. You hate this for him, but I also know how clear-minded he is. He has really strong faith.”
The Yankees are navigating the late innings with new faces in the relief mix, including veteran Michael Fulmer, who made his pinstriped debut with a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday.
Fulmer had been on his way to meet Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when he was told his services were needed in the Bronx instead.
“I’m just thankful,” Fulmer said. “No other place I’d rather be.”
Veteran Justin Topa is on the roster, with the New York native looking to make his Yankees debut.
They also have potential reinforcements coming in Clarke Schmidt -- who will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Saturday -- and Ryan Weathers, who is aiming for a September return to the bullpen.
Luis Gil has also pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings as a reliever at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while Angel Chivilli has resumed throwing and is aiming for a September call-up.
“It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up,” Boone said. “I think we’re going to have that happen.”