Yankees Adjust Bullpen with Carrasco Waivers, Cruz Return

The New York Yankees are making several bullpen adjustments as they anticipate the return of injured relievers and manage roster needs. Carlos Carrasco was placed on outright waivers and briefly recalled from the minors to provide long relief during a taxing series against the Dodgers, but he is expected to be replaced by Fernando Cruz, who is coming off the injured list after recovering from right shoulder inflammation. Cruz had been a reliable contributor before his injury, posting a 2.66 ERA and collecting 35 strikeouts over 23⅓ innings. Additionally, right-hander Jake Cousins is beginning a rehab assignment after missing the start of the season with a forearm strain; his return is seen as vital to stabilizing the bullpen, which has been heavily relied upon during the 2025 season. The Yankees have also recently benefited from Jonathan Loaisiga's return last month. These moves collectively reflect the team's efforts to maintain bullpen depth and effectiveness as they approach the midseason stretch.