Fernando Cruz elects to forgo surgery for Yankees return this season

New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz has decided to bypass surgery for his partially torn UCL. After receiving a cortisone shot and gaining medical clearance, Cruz intends to resume pitching for the team before the current season concludes. The right-hander has been sidelined on the injured list, having previously pitched through elbow discomfort for three weeks. Records indicate his ERA rose 0.62 points in August during that period of physical struggle. According to reports, Cruz is scheduled to begin throwing later this week to determine if he can provide depth for the team's rotation. Whether he returns to the mound depends on his ability to demonstrate significant progress over the next two weeks.

• 9:19 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Cruz Makes Surprising Decision; Trying To Retun To Yankees This Year