Yankees place reliever Fernando Cruz on 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation

Fernando Cruz has been a revelation for the Yankees’ bullpen during his first season with the team, but the right-hander has landed on the Injured List.

The 35-year-old was officially placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to May 19, with right shoulder inflammation. Cruz told reporters on Thursday morning that he received a cortisone shot and that an MRI showed no structural damage.

When asked about a timeline for Cruz to return, manager Aaron Boone said the right-hander will “hopefully get on the mound in the next few days,” but the team will obviously need to see how he feels as he progresses.

Cruz, who previously spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, has pitched to a 2.66 ERA over 21 appearances. Featuring a lethal splitter, Cruz has struck out 35 batters in 23.2 innings.

To take Cruz’s place on the 26-man roster, left-hander Brent Headrick has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.