Fernando Cruz's Oblique Strain Recovery Slowed for Yankees, Return Timeline Unclear

New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz, who was placed on the injured list in late June due to an oblique strain, has begun his throwing program over the weekend. However, his oblique has not fully healed, necessitating a slower recovery process and leaving his return timeline unclear, despite earlier hopes for an August comeback. Prior to his injury, Cruz was a key bullpen arm for the Yankees, posting a 3.00 ERA with two saves and 54 strikeouts in 33.0 innings across 32 appearances.