Defiant Fernando Cruz Working to Return to Yankees Without Surgery

Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz is defying expectations in his recovery from a partially torn UCL diagnosed in late August, throwing a bullpen session and planning another. Refusing to accept surgery, the 36-year-old right-hander is working to return this season after posting a 3.13 ERA across 61 appearances. Manager Aaron Boone noted potential roster decisions will be evaluated at the end of the regular season.