Yankees Sign Michael Fulmer Amid Astros Series and Injuries

The New York Yankees signed veteran right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer after placing right-hander Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort during their series against the Houston Astros.

Fulmer, 33, agreed to a major league contract after electing free agency from the Los Angeles Angels, joining the Yankees active roster ahead of their Wednesday game.

Fulmer had appeared briefly for the Angels this season, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. He was designated for assignment by the Angels and signed with the Yankees after spending most of the year in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.93 ERA with 10 saves combined between Sacramento and Salt Lake.

"I feel healthy," Cruz said after surrendering a game-tying two-run homer in the Yankees' 9-7 loss to Houston, but his 5.52 ERA in 17 appearances since the All-Star break and his exit from the clubhouse with the team's head athletic trainer prompted the move to the injured list, according to Yankees sources.

The Yankees also optioned right-hander Bradley Hanner to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and recalled right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, who is set to start against Houston on Wednesday night.

Fulmer was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers, spending six seasons there. Over his nine-year career, he holds a 37-50 record with a 3.92 ERA and 582 strikeouts.

"Including Justin Topa, who was added recently, the Yankees are addressing pitching staff vacancies until Max Fried, Clarke Schmidt, and Ryan Weathers return," as reported by mlb.com.

The Yankees held a 74-57 record entering Wednesday, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 3.5 games in the AL East. They have two more games against the Astros before a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox, including a Saturday doubleheader.