Fernando Cruz likely to return for Nationals series in major Yankees bullpen boos

Acce s the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. A still-battered Yankees bullpen is set to receive another shot in the arm Monday. Fernando Cruz is expected to be activated off the injured list in time to begin a series against the Nationals after mi sing nearly two months with a high-grade oblique strain. Manager Aaron Boone on Saturday left the door open for Cruz to be activated Sunday, but the Yankees waited to make a move after the right-hander threw 1 / innings in his fourth rehab game Friday. Obviously, hes been super productive for us down there and such an important part of that pen when hes been healthy, Boone said before the . And hes just a great person and competitor and guy to be on the team; takes the ball in any scenario. I am looking forward to getting him back. Fernando Cruz throws a pitch during the Yankees June 16 game. Charles Wenzelberg Explore More Before going on the IL for the second time this season he mi sed 15 days in late May with right shoulder inflammation Cruz pitched to a 3.00 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 33 innings, most of them high-leverage outings. The Yankees bullpen has largely struggled in Cruzs absence entering Sunday with a 5.58 Wander Suero Jersey ERA since Cruz went on the IL, the second-worst mark in the majors during that span even after adding reinforcements at the deadline in David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird (who is now at Triple-A). Fernando Cruz reacts after pitching the eighth inning against the Red Sox on June 13. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post But Cruzs return should give Boone another late-inning option in his circle of trust as the Yankees head down the homestretch. In the meantime, Paul Blackburn remained on the roster Sunday despite being unavailable after . Ja son Domnguez was out of the lineup for the fourth time in the last six games in order to get Giancarlo Stantons bat which went 2-for-3 with a double into the lineup in right field. CHECK OUT THE AND Cody Bellinger manned left field with Trent Grisham in center, where he was starting for the 17th straight game and slugged two more homers. Austin Slater (hamstring strain) did some running in the outfield and on the bases Sunday afternoon as he tries to work back toward a September return. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Boone did not have a time table for when the outfielder might advance to a rehab a signment, or at least taking live batting practice. Yohan Ramirez Jersey