This little-discussed New York Yankees star is attempting something incredibly courageous.
The New York Yankees are incredibly banged up heading into the MLB playoffs, but it's actually looking like they might actually get some key names back in the fold.
More specifically, Giancarlo Stanton is actually getting closer and closer to a return and could ultimately serve as a legitimate bat as soon as the Wild Card Series for the Yankees.
Then, there's relief pitcher Fernando Cruz, who has been sidelined since last month with what is being called a partially torn UCL. Except Cruz refuses to accept it.
The 36-year-old has resumed throwing this week and is actually on track to toss his second bullpen session on Thursday.
It's an absolutely incredible turn of events for a pitcher who everyone thought was done a few weeks ago. Except Cruz refuses to quit.
"I'm not gonna accept that. I'm not gonna say, 'I'm having a partial tear,'" Cruz said. "I'm not gonna accept it. I had a real good inflammation, real stiffness and irritation, and people can say it's a partial tear, but in my heart, it's not a partial."
Cruz is not the first Yankees pitcher to work through a partial UCL tear. Remember: Masahiro Tanaka did so years ago, shirking surgery without issue. In fact, he became a postseason legend in the Bronx.
Why not Cruz?
"I'm just getting ready for it," Cruz said. "I'm just getting in the position to be there for my guys and perform the way I perform."
Cruz's story is incredible. It took him 16 years to finally make his big-league debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, fulfilling a prophecy of his late mother who commanded him not to quit when he was toiling way in foreign leagues back in 2019.
Two years later, his mother — who made it a point to buy him Yankees memorabilia throughout his life — died of brain cancer. The following season, he was called up to the big leagues.
Then, in December 2024, Cruz was dealt to New York, and last season, he established himself as a critical piece of the bullpen.
Now, here we are in 2026, with Cruz fighting for his MLB career — and his mother's words.
"I'm gonna go through it. I'm gonna beat this," Cruz said of his elbow injury.
The Yankees desperately need Cruz back. Both Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn have been severely overworked, and New York doesn't really have any other reliable options to bridge the gap to David Bednar.
That's where Cruz's return comes into play.
It's obvious that the Puerto Rican native is determined, and much like how his mother spoke his big-league career — and Yankees tenure — into existence, Cruz is ensuring that he gets back on to the mound this year no matter what.
"This happened to me at least three or four times in my career," Cruz said. "I was the guy that had to pitch to be able to pay the mortgage, to be able to pay rent, to be able to pay water, electricity in Puerto Rico, and I'm proud of that. ... I'm used to having to go through the grind of throwing with pain and whatever, and I think I've been in a worse situation than I am right now."
There is not a single person who can listen to Cruz speak and not be inspired. His defiance in the face of adversity is uplifting, and his passion while he is on the mound is palpable.
Hopefully, Cruz can return and help New York in these playoffs. Not just for the Yankees, but also for himself.
