Yankees Add Michael Fulmer, Recall Elmer Rodríguez Amid Pitching Injuries
New York added right-hander Michael Fulmer to the major-league roster and recalled Elmer Rodríguez as injuries reshaped the staff, while moving several pitchers to the injured list.
The New York Yankees announced several pitching moves on Tuesday. Right-hander Michael Fulmer was signed to a major-league contract after electing free agency, and infielder Elmer Rodríguez was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. To make room, the club optioned Bradley Hanner to Triple-A and placed reliever Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort. Kervin Castro was transferred to the 60-day injured list, opening a 40-man roster spot for Fulmer.
The roster changes follow recent injuries to the rotation. Max Fried was placed on the injured list two weeks ago, and Ryan Weathers subsequently joined him, creating a vacancy that Rodríguez is expected to fill, at least on a spot-start basis. The Yankees are scheduled to play a doubleheader against Boston on Saturday and have no off-day until the following Thursday.
In the bullpen, Cruz’s recent performance decline prompted the move; he posted a 2.51 ERA through July but saw his ERA rise to 6.75 in August. Fulmer, who was designated for assignment by the Angels and cleared waivers, had three scoreless appearances with Los Angeles before being released. He has a career 3.55 ERA over 190⅓ innings (2021-2023) and posted a 2.93 ERA in 43 Triple-A innings this season.
Castro, who entered the 15-day injured list on August 10 with right elbow neuritis, will remain ineligible for activation until October. The team will reassess his roster status after the World Series.