The Yankees traded reliever Camilo Doval to the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking their first move ahead of the MLB trade deadline. But it wasn’t the blockbuster acquisition many expected.
According to Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, New York received catcher prospect Omar Alfonzo and outfield prospect Luis Cruz in return. It’s an interesting choice for a first deadline move, considering it creates an immediate hole in their bullpen.
That’s where Yovanny Cruz comes in.
The Yankees are planning to promote the 26-year-old right-hander from Triple-A to fill Doval’s roster spot, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
The Yankees are planning to promote Yovanny Cruz to replace Camilo Doval in their bullpen.
Cruz has been solid in the minors this season, posting a 3.53 ERA across 35.2 innings with 52 strikeouts and a 1.26 WHIP. He’s gone 7-3 in 31 appearances, showing the kind of consistency that’s caught the organization’s attention.
What makes this promotion feel right is Cruz’s brief but impressive big league debut earlier this year. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out six. That’s the kind of first impression that sticks with front office types.
Now that Doval and his 4.54 ERA are headed to Pittsburgh, assuming he passes his physical, Cruz gets another shot at the majors. It’s a calculated risk for Brian Cashman, but one backed by recent evidence.
The Yankees are still expected to pursue a high-leverage reliever before Tuesday’s deadline. This Doval trade feels more like roster maintenance than a statement move, especially with the team’s championship aspirations.
But for now, Cruz represents the short-term solution. He’s earned this opportunity through his minor league performance and that clean debut. Whether he can handle a bigger role remains to be seen, but the Yankees seem comfortable giving him the chance to prove it.
