The New York Yankees have added some more depth to their outfield, picking up outfielder Bryan De La Cruz off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. The team chose to option De La Cruz to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In order to make room for the 28-year-old, the Yankees also moved designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton to the 60-day injured list.
Earlier today, the Yankees claimed OF Bryan de la Cruz off waivers from the Atlanta Braves and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have transferred DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton to the 60-day injured list.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 1, 2025
So Close, But So Far
Stanton, who just a few weeks ago was “getting close” to taking legitimate swings and undergoing rehab, is now on the 60-day IL with no timetable for his return. The Yankees announced on March 1 that last season’s ALCS MVP was suffering from tendinitis in both elbows. It’s a disappointing update for Stanton, especially considering he was able to take batting practice with his teammates last Tuesday when the Yankees took on the Cleveland Guardians, according to ESPN. The good news is there does not appear to be any new injury. The hope is he can return once the elbow tendinitis is healed.
Yankees Get Outfield Depth in Bryan De La Cruz
De La Cruz, who Atlanta optioned a few weeks ago, has struggled mightily to begin 2025. After posting a .200/.220/.294 slash line with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, the outfielder has not been able to improve his performance. Over 16 games, De La Cruz is batting .191/.240/.213 with a single extra-base hit (a double) and 18 strikeouts in 50 plate appearances. In an already-crowded outfield that includes Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez, and a red-hot Trent Grisham, De La Cruz likely won’t see too much playing time, barring injuries. Still, acquiring De La Cruz’s above-average defense and his cannon of an arm could be beneficial down the stretch for New York if any of their starters go down later in the season.
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