The New York Yankees have spent much of this summer learning that a strong bullpen on paper doesn’t guarantee late-inning security.

Fans were told this group—stacked with names like David Bednar, Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, and Devin Williams—would be a fortress. Instead, it has often felt like a shaky bridge hanging over a canyon.

Paper résumés mean very little when October is on the horizon. Right now, Aaron Boone has only been able to truly trust David Bednar and Luke Weaver in high-leverage spots, and even they’ve had nights where things unraveled quickly.

For a team chasing October dreams, that margin of error feels dangerously thin.

Cruz’s return could change the bullpen dynamic

That’s why Fernando Cruz’s return is more than just a routine roster move—it’s a badly needed jolt of

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