With persistent championship-or-bust expectations, the Yankees are virtually guaranteed to try to improve their roster before the trade deadline. And one area in need of a boost has been unaddressed since well before opening day.

Just minutes after Jasson Dominguez ’s homer sealed the victory, the attention shifted to the bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that reliever Fernando Cruz had been quietly shut down with a shoulder issue, and another arm, Ian Hamilton, continued to struggle.

Aaron Boone says Giancarlo Stanton is nearing the “end game” in his recovery. Yankees eye mid-June return. The Aaron Boone injury update fans have been waiting for just dropped, and it's about one of the New York Yankees' biggest question marks. According to the Yankees manager, Giancarlo Stanton 's injury recovery is nearing its final phase.

A New York Yankees trade pitch lands pitching reinforcements following the update on Luis Gil's return from injury.

It is unclear if Stanton will become the full-time DH when he returns. Rice, a first baseman and catcher by trade, recently took reps at third base; the Yankees lost third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera to a severe ankle injury last week.

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The New York Yankees traded for Cody Bellinger last offseason. He could hit free agency this offseason, and the team could trade him.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had some concerning news after a dramatic walk-off win over the Rangers on Wednesday night. Fernando Cruz, the dynamic reliever the Yankees added to their bullpen this winter, has been shut down since Saturday with a shoulder issue.