Yankees News: Luke Voit resurfaces, big Luis Gil update, Fernando Cruz, Trent Grisham

In case you needed a pick-me-up after the Yankees' horrid loss to the Blue Jays on Monday night, we've got a couple for you in this morning's news roundup. And the first has to do with a former beloved Yankee.

Luke Voit, who was a fan favorite during his time in the Bronx and then completely disrespected by the team after the Anthony Rizzo trade, has signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Does that team sound familiar? If it does, it's because that's Masahiro Tanaka's lifelong squad in his native Japan. The right-hander played 10 seasons there (before and after joining the Yankees from 2014-2020) and then signed with the Yomiuri Giants for 2025. Voit and Tanaka won't cross paths unless they play one another, but it's a wholesome connection to make since both of these guys were adored by the fanbase.

And how about some positive injury news? Luis Gil, who is making his way back from a lat injury that has had him sidelined since spring training, could go out on a rehab assignment this weekend. That puts him on track to return after the All-Star break.

The Yankees have been waiting a long time for the right-hander's return, especially after Gerrit Cole went down and Marcus Stroman looked terrible before his long layoff (though he just returned on Sunday and put forth a nice outing). New York still needs pitching help, however, and with Stroman now open to a move to the bullpen, Gil's return should strengthen the pitching staff greatly.

Yankees Injury Update: Fernando Cruz out a while, Austin Wells doing better

There is bad news, however. Fernando Cruz, who was placed on the injured list before the series opener against the Jays, has a high grade oblique strain. Aaron Boone revealed the news in the postgame, and Cruz is expected to be out for quite some time.

That's a major issue for the bullpen. The unit has largely been stumbling thanks to a lack of depth. There are so many middling options right now that are putting the Yankees in a bad spot, and that trend will continue until trade deadline changes are made. Cruz might not have had the prettiest numbers, but he's one of the few on the roster right now capable of getting big outs in high-leverage spots.

And finally, there's at least some good news on Trent Grisham and Austin Wells, both of whom were also in the news because of injuries on Monday. Grisham left Monday's game early with hamstring tightness, but the early signs suggest that was precautionary.

Grisham said he's optimistic it shouldn't hamper him too badly and Boone called it a day-to-day situation. That's a relief because Yankees fans weren't doing great when he was mysteriously pulled in the fifth inning on Monday night.

As for Austin Wells, he missed two games over the weekend and Ben Rice took his spot behind the plate. Then, on Monday, Wells was out of the lineup again, and it was revealed he was undergoing testing for a "circulatory issue" in his left hand.

Turns out, he has damage to an artery in his left index finger and it shouldn't impact his status moving froward. Then again, fans are worried about his prolonged slump, as he's been one of the worst hitters on the team for about a month now. Perhaps the finger has a little to do with it, but Wells getting clarity should at least help with his peace of mind.