NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Who says pitchers aren't athletes?
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz showed off his athleticism with a fantastic play on a bunt attempt in the eighth inning of the team's 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers trailed 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning with runners on first and second, with cleanup hitter Joc Pederson at the plate. Pederson tried to surprise Cruz with a bunt.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz hits a ground ball and throws to third base for one out during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on April 28, 2026. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
Cruz was ready for it and ran off the mound and slid to catch the ball. Cruz's slide pointed him toward third base, throwing the ball as fast as he could while throwing from his back.
Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon caught Cruz's throw on the rebound as he stretched out of the pocket. Cruz's throw narrowly beat Rangers third baseman Josh Jung to the bag for a crucial out.
The bunt was a chance for Cruz to show off his skills from a previous life in baseball, as he was drafted as an infielder before becoming a pitcher later in his career.
ZERO BS. ONLY DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz celebrates after pitching in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on April 28, 2026. (Tony Gutiérrez/AP Photo)
Aaron Judge said he got Cruz to talk about his past in the box and jokingly said he could believe in Cruz's past.
“I think I might believe him now,” Judge said with a smile. “We'll see. I need to see a couple more good plays like that. I'm more worried about him continuing to do his thing on the mound. I think we'll be fine.”
Cruz's next two outs weren't as dramatic as his first out, but they were just as important, as he struck out Jake Burger and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Durán to end the inning.
Judge hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, tying Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami with his MLB-leading 12th of the season, to give the Yankees a 3–0 lead in the ninth inning.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz reacts after the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on April 28, 2026. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
Judge's home run ended up being the winning run, as the Rangers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and threatened more. However, Yankees closer David Bednar held on to make the save with a double play that ended the game after inducing a Corey Seager groundout.
With the victory, the Yankees improved to a 20-10 record, the best in the American League. They will look to complete the sweep when they play the Rangers (14-16) in the final game of the three-game series on Wednesday at 2:35 pm ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
